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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a niche tour operator, driving growth and enhancing customer experiences.
- Company: Join a well-established travel company known for premium, themed small-group tours.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and long-term incentives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel while inspiring a dedicated team and expanding brand reach.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience with a commercial mindset and strong financial literacy.
- Other info: Experience in travel or cultural sectors is a plus, but passion for the role is key.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 95000 £ per year.
Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid working)
Salary: £65,000 – £95,000 + Performance Bonus + Potential Long-Term Incentives
Are you a commercially driven, culturally curious leader with a passion for travel and customer experience? We’re searching for an ambitious Managing Director to lead a well-established, niche tour operator offering premium, themed small-group tours to discerning global clientele. With strong foundations, a loyal customer base, and exciting growth opportunities on the horizon, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a business known for delivering high-quality, immersive travel experiences.
The Opportunity
- Drive business growth through the development of new themes (e.g. art, music, geology) alongside established historical and cultural itineraries
- Explore bespoke travel opportunities and strengthen relationships with UK/US institutional partners
- Expand international markets and enhance client acquisition strategies
- Lead, inspire, and optimise a small but dedicated team
- Oversee operations, product, marketing, customer service, and finance functions
- Champion service quality, ensuring consistently high feedback from clients
- Introduce operational efficiencies and explore tech/AI tools to support scale
You’ll Be a Great Fit If You:
- Are a proven senior leader (Director, Managing Director, General Manager, Sales Manager (or similar) with SME or service-led experience
- Thrive in a hands-on environment and naturally build trust with your team
- Can manage high expectations and service delivery for high-net-worth customers (avg. trip value £3.5k+)
- Bring a commercial mindset and are confident building strategic growth plans from the ground up
- Have strong financial literacy (P&L, forecasting, budgeting)
- Are energised by building lasting customer relationships and expanding brand reach
- Experience in the travel or education/cultural sector is desirable but not essential if you share the company's values and vision.
Why Join?
- Shape the future of a unique travel business with a premium customer base
- Opportunity to lead with autonomy, creativity, and strategic influence
- Supportive environment with scope for long-term personal and professional growth
- Hybrid working with regular access to a Basingstoke HQ
Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator employer: Tiro Partners Limited
Contact Detail:
Tiro Partners Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the travel industry to connect with professionals who can provide insights into the role and company culture. Attend travel expos or industry events where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the niche market.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in themed travel and customer experience. Being knowledgeable about current market demands will help you demonstrate your passion and vision for the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you inspire teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team through change or growth, as this will resonate well with the company's focus on team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing tours and customer feedback. This knowledge will allow you to propose innovative ideas that align with their brand while showcasing your commitment to enhancing customer experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leadership roles, particularly in the travel or service sectors. Emphasise your achievements in driving business growth and managing high-net-worth clients.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for travel and customer experience. Discuss how your skills align with the company's vision and how you can contribute to their growth and success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as financial literacy, strategic planning, and team leadership. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven operational efficiencies.
Showcase Cultural Curiosity: Demonstrate your cultural curiosity and understanding of diverse markets. Mention any experiences that reflect your ability to connect with different cultures and enhance client relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tiro Partners Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Travel
As a Managing Director in the travel industry, it's crucial to convey your enthusiasm for travel and customer experiences. Share personal stories or insights that highlight your love for exploring new cultures and how this passion can translate into leading a successful tour operator.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your vision for the company and how you would drive growth through innovative themes and partnerships. Be ready to present ideas on expanding international markets and enhancing client acquisition strategies, showcasing your commercial mindset.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Emphasise your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Provide examples of how you've inspired and optimised teams to achieve exceptional service delivery, especially for high-net-worth clients.
✨Understand Financial Literacy
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management, including P&L, forecasting, and budgeting. Demonstrating strong financial literacy will reassure the interviewers that you can oversee the financial functions of the business effectively.
