Product Specialist – Cox & Kings in London

Come and join one of the world's leading luxury travel brands. A&K Travel Group is a dynamic collection of travel and cruise companies, including Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, and the world's oldest travel agency, Cox & Kings. We create unique, immersive travel experiences worldwide. Our people make us a great place to work, fostering a supportive environment with ongoing training and global career opportunities. We also make a difference: Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy has supported communities for 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for exceptional client care during the pandemic.

Role: C&K Product Specialist

Location: London

Reports to: C&K Product Manager

Purpose
To assist the Product Director and Product Managers with the planning, buying and contracting of creative and commercial products which can be marketed effectively. Support the Product Managers as the primary liaison between product managers and the Group Tour operations team, responsible for achieving operational excellence in the operations of Group Tours.

Key Responsibilities

• To assist the Senior Product Manager and Product Managers in the research and identification of appropriate products and programmes within the parameters of the company's development vision.
• Keep up to date on all country trends and new product developments.
• Assist in the development of business to those destinations and products where the company owns or controls product.
• Oversee project work to support wider business strategies and personal development.
• Assist the Senior Product Manager and Product Managers in delivering information to marketing for brochures, website, social media within the deadlines set, ensuring all material has been accurately proofed and appropriate photography selected following company process.
• Maintain supplier and DMC relationships.
• Ensure that the website content (including special offers) is up to date and accurately presented.
• Assist with any crisis management issues and customer service issues that may arise.
• Assist with training for new recruits.
• Assist with FAM trip operations, competition winners, press trips and VIPs.
• Coordination of supplier training for all destinations.
• Maintain product bible and support with statistical collation when required.
• Calculation and loading of special offers for website, e-newsletters and coop campaigns.
• Assist with competitor analysis and keep relevant PM up to date with competitor activity.
• Assist PMs in preparations of documentation for executive meetings, product trips and trade events.
• Assist PR team with fact boxes, itineraries and current or new product for articles.
• Support Product Managers in the creation of 'How to Book' notes for each tour and implement ongoing updates in notes.
• Assist in the completeness and quality of brochure, website and passenger information content.
• Support all product in checking TS content is correct. Acting as the main contact between product and TS loading team ensuring accuracy of loading group tours, extension and private journeys to TS.
• Support all product to ensure when group tour itinerary changes occur TS is updated and clients are informed.

Standards of Performance

• Promote a professional impression of C&K through appropriate dress code.
• Answer phones within the standard set by the company to provide client satisfaction.
• Meet or exceed client expectations by maintaining an accurate and consistent approach to work.
• Ensure that your work area is kept clear and tidy to assist with effective organisation throughout the department.

Desirable criteria

• Extensive travel to and knowledge of Latin America.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

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 – in addition to bank holidays, plus the ability to buy an additional 5 days or sell 5 days.
• Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family).
• Discounted Gym Membership – we offer a contribution of up to £35 a month at either Virgin Active Gym (London) or to other gyms through GymFlex.
• Private Healthcare through BUPA paid through a salary sacrifice deduction using our corporate rates – covers individual and family cover.
• Life Assurance.
• Hybrid working – we value collaboration and ask employees to come to the office for a minimum of 4 days per week.
• Enhanced Paid Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay regardless of gender.
• Employee Assistance Program – includes access to wellbeing resources and counselling.
• £1,000 Recruitment Referral Bonus.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season Ticket Loans.
• Regular Social Events.

This Role Profile highlights the key responsibilities but is not intended to be exhaustive.

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