Tour Consultant in Cheltenham

Our Europe Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Cheltenham is recruiting enthusiastic individuals to play a pivotal role in our ambitious plans. We are seeking candidates with experience in the travel industry’s sales and/or operations functions, or with transferable skills from other industries, and a positive, can-do attitude.

Purpose

As an Operations Consultant, you will be responsible for the successful operation of a wide variety of unique tailor-made European group tours. This requires a detailed understanding of the logistics of each programme in order to put in place all ground arrangements and provide a high level of service to our luxury travel advisors primarily from the United States and our sales offices in Chicago, Melbourne, Hong Kong and London.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-budget tailor-made group tour files across the project life cycle.
• Create and maintain detailed project schedules, briefs and timelines.
• Monitor project progress and ensure all milestones are met within budget and timeframe.
• Research, source and book necessary services (hotels, transport, guides, group visits, restaurants, train tickets, etc.) within budget.
• Negotiate cost reductions and better terms with suppliers to optimise project expenses.
• Log all project expenses and financial data accurately and process payments to suppliers and travel-advisor commissions.
• Prepare and issue client invoices, ensuring timely receipt of payments.
• Liaise with suppliers, tour directors, colleagues and clients to ensure successful project delivery.
• Create comprehensive operational itineraries and provide reconfirmations and detailed documentation to all stakeholders.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings with clients, suppliers and colleagues to discuss project progress and address any issues.
• Identify potential issues, implement solutions to avoid disruptions and resolve problems that arise during execution.
• Deliver emergency 24/7 cover for all group tours on a rota basis.

Experience & Qualifications

• Confident, positive attitude.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective time management.
• Willingness to build relationships with key suppliers and agents.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Geographical and European knowledge.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Teams, Excel).
• Good mathematical understanding.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary plus annual bonus plan.
• Company pension plan from start of employment with employer contributions increasing after 5 and 10 years of service.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy or sell 5 days.
• Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family).
• Discounted Gym Membership – contribution up to £35 per month at Virgin Active or GymFlex.
• Private Healthcare through BUPA paid via salary sacrifice.
• Life Assurance (2x base salary paid as a tax-free sum).
• Hybrid working – minimum four days in office per week.
• Enhanced Paid Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay regardless of gender.
• Employee Assistance Program – wellbeing resources and counselling.
• £1,000 recruitment referral bonus.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season Ticket Loans.
• Regular social events.

EEO Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.