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. 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. The successful candidate must also be able to provide a high level of service to our clients who are luxury travel advisors, mainly from the United States, or colleagues at our sales offices in Chicago, Melbourne, Hong Kong and London.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Co‐ordination: 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, ensuring all milestones are met within budget and timeframe.
• Financial Management: 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 optimize project expenses. Log all project expenses and financial data accurately. Ensure timely processing of project‐related expenses to optimize professional relationships. Prepare and issue client invoices; ensure timely receipt of client payments and manage travel advisor commission payments.
• Stakeholder Communication: Liaise with suppliers, tour directors, colleagues, and clients to ensure successful project delivery. Create comprehensive Operational Itineraries to ensure the successful delivery of the final product. 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.
• Problem Solving: Identify potential issues and implement solutions to avoid project disruptions. Resolve problems that arose during project execution, ensuring minimal impact on project delivery. Deliver emergency 24/7 cover for all group tours on a rota basis.

Desired Skills‐Set

• A confident, positive attitude.
• The ability to multi‐task and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective time management.
• A willingness to develop relationships with key suppliers and agents.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good levels of geographical and European general knowledge.
• Up‐to‐date knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel).
• Good mathematical understanding.

Our ideal candidate has a background from the sales and/or operations functions within the travel industry, although individuals with transferable skills from other industries will also be strongly considered. Above all, we are looking for candidates with a positive, 'can‐do' attitude.

Induction at A&K Europe includes an extensive period of structured learning and development lasting up to six months. Afterwards, you will become eligible for an A&K familiarisation trip; where possible we aim to send you on a domestic or European trip within twelve months. However, this will be subject to availability and business needs.

The people are what makes A&K a great place to work. It's our team who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for us. You will also have opportunities to develop 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 our efforts in looking after our clients during the pandemic.

60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded Abercrombie & Kent we're still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. The business comprises international Tour Operations Offices (TOCs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs), with 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe.

EEO Statement

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

Benefits

• 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 (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.

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