Tour Operations Manager - Adventure Travel

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Tour Operations Manager for a dynamic adventure travel company in Polokwane, Limpopo. This hybrid role combines remote planning with on-site oversight, leading a team of guides and operations staff to design and deliver memorable tours while ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will manage supplier relationships, budgets, schedules, and regulatory compliance, while developing new itineraries and coordinating logistics across destinations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in tour operations management.
• Strong knowledge of tour planning, logistics, and destination management.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience in budget management and supplier negotiation.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and risk management in tourism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in tour operating software and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and develop new tour itineraries and packages.
• Manage the operational aspects of all tours, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
• Source, negotiate with, and manage relationships with local suppliers, guides, and transport providers.
• Ensure all tours meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage tour budgets, ensuring profitability and cost control.
• Oversee the booking and scheduling process for all tours.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints related to tour operations.
• Train and manage tour guides and operational staff, ensuring high performance.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor offerings to identify new opportunities.
• Develop and implement quality control measures to enhance the guest experience.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic adventure travel company based in **Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA**, is seeking an experienced Tour Operations Manager. This hybrid role requires a passionate individual with extensive knowledge of tour planning, logistics, and customer service within the adventure tourism sector. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and managing a portfolio of exciting tours, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and an exceptional experience for travelers. The position involves both remote planning and coordination, as well as on‑site or field‑based work to oversee operations and liaise with local partners. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring the smooth execution of tours, managing supplier relationships, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. You will lead a team of tour guides and operations staff, fostering a culture of excellence and adventure. This is a key role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is dedicated to delivering unforgettable travel experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and develop new tour itineraries and packages.
• Manage the operational aspects of all tours, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
• Source, negotiate with, and manage relationships with local suppliers, guides, and transport providers.
• Ensure all tours meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage tour budgets, ensuring profitability and cost control.
• Oversee the booking and scheduling process for all tours.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints related to tour operations.
• Train and manage tour guides and operational staff, ensuring high performance.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor offerings to identify new opportunities.
• Develop and implement quality control measures to enhance the guest experience.

Requirements

• Proven experience in tour operations management, preferably within the adventure travel sector.
• Strong knowledge of tour planning, logistics, and destination management.
• Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience in budget management and supplier negotiation.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and risk management in tourism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant tour operating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A passion for travel, adventure, and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, including some remote work and site visits.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development within the exciting adventure tourism industry.
• You will have the chance to shape unique travel experiences and work in a vibrant team dedicated to exploration and client satisfaction.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid role and contribute to the success of a leading adventure travel provider in **Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA**.