Product Specialist

Come and join one of the world’s leading luxury travel brands. 60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded A&K, we’re still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. Whichever role you join us in, whether customer facing or behind the scenes, everyone has their part to play in creating one-of-a-kind journeys that go beyond our clients’ high expectations.

With 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe, we offer adventures that can’t be experienced with any other tour provider. Working with a team of passionate and knowledgeable people, you’ll be able to open doors to private palaces, book Michelin-starred meals in the most remote locations and arrange out-of-hours museum tours. There’s always a buzz in the office about the latest ways we’ve gone the extra mile. We’ll take you on unforgettable travel educationals to show you the Cox & Kings experience first-hand, and, as a company that never stands still, you’ll play a key role in our ambitious plans for the future.

PURPOSE: To assist the Senior Product Manager 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.

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.
• 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.

ABOUT YOU:

• Destination knowledge of India, Far East, Europe or Central Asia. Preferably some knowledge of one other European language e.g. Italian, Spanish or other relevant knowledge.
• Experience in a product role (desirable).

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.
• Life Assurance (2x base salary paid out as a tax-free sum).
• 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.

Why work for A&K: What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It’s our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K. There will also be ongoing training and the opportunity to progress your career – not just in the UK, but as part of our global business.

We’re also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for looking after our clients during the pandemic.