FIT Operational Consultant in Cheltenham

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To accurately book all ground arrangements for multiple departures of our European independent travel products and work with local suppliers, tour leaders and sales office to ensure the smooth operation of the tour.
• To book hotels ensuring use of allocations where available.
• Accurately book all services required for the successful operation of the tour within the budget set.
• To accurately cost any additional requests or changes.
• To prepare and check the final documentation for any errors or changes.
• Prepare detailed documentation for tours.
• To liaise with agents directly on any changes or operational requirements.
• To log and share feedback from each tour to ensure that improvements are made promptly.
• On confirmation, set up the file and ensure the in-house reservation systems are accurate before handing over to the operator.
• Achieving the targeted volume (by sales value) within a given period.
• Successfully deliver the guests' tour so it runs perfectly and exceeds their high expectations.
• Taking full responsibility of a tour's cost control and margins.
• Ensuring necessary payments are made and received at the appropriate time.
• To manage tour costs in order that budgeted margins are achieved.
• Preparing accurate client payment and agent commission statements.
• To assist the Finance Department with invoice queries as they arise.
• To enter financial data onto reservations system in a timely and accurate manner.
• To have the highest standards of quality at the forefront of mind.
• To proactively highlight potential Customer Service problems and take steps to make improvements.
• To investigate and provide information to enable a response to customer service issues.
• General office duties.
• To conduct special projects as requested by management.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by management.
• Participation in occasional familiarisation or business trips with follow up reports and presentation as required.
• To take the On-Call duty manager phone on a rota basis.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• A confident positive attitude.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills. A second European language is advantageous.
• Good level of geographical and general knowledge of Europe is advantageous.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel.
• Numeracy and good basic mathematical understanding.
• A real passion for travel.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• A willingness to develop relationships with key suppliers.
• Good and effective time management.

KEY SKILLS

• Computer Science
• Operational Risk Management
• Risk Management
• Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement
• Lean
• Process Improvement
• Pricing
• Customer Support
• Alteryx
• Kaizen
• Project Management Lifecycle

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary plus commission.
• 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.
• £1000 Recruitment Referral Bonus.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season Ticket Loans.
• Regular Social Events.

If you have any queries about the position please email. And above all a desire to ensure guests have the best travel experience. 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.