At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and delivery of exciting walking holidays across Europe.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Alpine Exploratory in vibrant Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday leave, work trips, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Experience a warm, supportive office culture with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for travel with a leadership role in adventure tourism.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in adventure tourism or similar, plus a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
Alpine Exploratory is looking for an enthusiastic, self‑motivated person to join its friendly team as an Operations Manager in its office in Edinburgh. This is an exciting and varied role overseeing the delivery of self‑guided and guided walking holidays across the Alps, the UK and parts of Europe.
Role: Adventure Travel Operations Manager
Start date: August or September 2026 (depending on candidate)
Location: Alpine Exploratory's office in central Edinburgh
Salary: Within the range £36k to £42k depending on experience
Duration: Permanent contract (with 6 month probationary period)
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (full‑time office based). During our high season (May to mid‑September) we work shifts (either 8am to 4pm, 10am to 6pm, or 12 noon to 8pm), with about one weekend per month of paid on‑call work, and we would agree this with you before asking you to work such shifts.
This position will involve taking on a leadership role within the office after a period of initially hands‑on work to get used to Alpine Exploratory's processes: including responding to client enquiries, processing bookings and making accommodation bookings.
Key responsibilities:
- Overseeing the planning, logistics and delivery of our self‑guided and guided walking holidays.
- Working collaboratively with the AE team to ensure the trips run smoothly from start to finish.
- Providing excellent customer service from when clients initially enquire to after their trip.
- Working across teams to ensure all aspects of trips (accommodation, baggage and taxis) are booked correctly.
- Working to improve the trips including going through feedback from the clients.
- Analysing data on our trips to make informed decisions about what trips to promote, introduce, adapt or retire.
- Running weekly meetings with the team to check in on what people are working on, share updates, brainstorm new ideas and check accommodation availabilities.
- Working on‑call over the weekends as the first point of contact with clients on their trips and to help solve time‑sensitive issues that arise.
- Stepping in where needed and contributing across different areas of the business, working closely with colleagues in a small, collaborative team environment to solve problems.
During our Summer season from May to September, we offer support from 8am to 8pm to all customers contacting us via phone or email. This is to help customers with any logistical issues they may encounter during their hiking holiday. We offer days in lieu and extra pay for this overtime.
Skills, some essential and some desired:
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in adventure tourism, travel, events management or a similar industry, with a record of delivering high‑quality experiences.
- Experience working in a fast‑paced environment where decisions sometimes have to be made quickly.
- Confidence in Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel or similar – with a willingness to learn.
- A proactive approach and ability to take ownership of tasks – looking for gaps and ways to improve.
- Ability to work well overseeing a small team.
- Interest in travel, the outdoors, or hiking.
- Knowledge of German, Italian or French.
- A university degree.
We offer a warm, supportive, often hilarious, office environment, generous (5 weeks plus bank holidays) holiday leave, option to take unpaid leave subject to agreement, work trips to our destinations each year, and a contributory pension scheme.
How to apply:
Please email Mr Simon Stevens at simon@alpineexploratory.com with your CV and a letter giving your walking/travelling experience. We will email as soon as we can, either to invite you for interview or to say no thanks (but thank you). We hope to interview in July in our Edinburgh office. We hope that someone will start in August‑September 2026.
Operations Manager employer: Alpine Exploratory
Alpine Exploratory is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through hands-on experience in adventure tourism, as well as generous benefits including five weeks of holiday, a contributory pension scheme, and the chance to travel to our stunning destinations. Join our friendly team and be part of a company that values collaboration, creativity, and a passion for the outdoors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like Alpine Exploratory who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Operations Manager.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like Alpine Exploratory and give you a leg up for your Operations Manager application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Operations Manager openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Operations Manager role at Alpine Exploratory.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Operations Manager position at Alpine Exploratory.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of Alpine Exploratory.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to Alpine Exploratory's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Operations Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alpine Exploratory
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at Alpine Exploratory.
