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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for European tours.
- Company: Established B2B tour operator with a focus on group travel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Gain real ownership of European markets and travel opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in travel or hospitality, fluent in French and English.
- Other info: Office-based role with potential for overseas travel.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
An established B2B tour operator specialising in European group and coach travel is seeking a European Contracting Manager to join its London-based team. This is a business-critical, long-term role, replacing a team member who has been with the company for over 11 years. It offers the opportunity to step into a well-structured, respected position with real ownership of supplier relationships and European markets.
The role would suit an experienced travel contracting/purchasing professional, although strong junior candidates with relevant travel or hospitality background will also be considered.
The Role – European Contracting & Supplier ManagementThis is a hands-on, commercial role focused on hotel and ground service contracting for European tours, primarily supporting India-focused group travel.
- Contracting, negotiating, and managing hotels, transport providers, attractions, and ground services across Europe
- Owning and developing long-term supplier relationships, including regular face-to-face meetings
- Conducting rate negotiations, market research, and competitor analysis
- Attending UK and European travel trade events and workshops (e.g. London, Paris, Italy)
- Overseas travel for supplier contracting during peak periods (typically June–September, in short stints)
- Working closely with internal operations and sales teams to ensure smooth tour delivery
- Maintaining accurate contracting, pricing, and supplier records
- Supporting continuous improvement of product quality and commercial performance
The role requires flexibility to travel for approximately 2–3 months of the year, usually in one-week periods.
About You- Experience within travel, tourism, or hospitality
- Exposure to contracting, purchasing, supplier negotiations, or product management
- Fluent French and English (additional European languages such as German or Dutch advantageous)
- Strong commercial awareness with confident negotiation skills
- Comfortable building relationships and attending face-to-face supplier meetings
- Organised, detail-oriented, and proactive
- Confident IT skills, particularly Excel and Microsoft Office
- Full, clean UK driving licence required
- Able to work in a fully office-based role
- Strong junior profiles with the right industry background will also be considered.
Office located a short walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill station. Interview process: video interview followed by face-to-face. Supportive, collaborative team environment. Long-term stability and progression within the travel sector. Overseas travel and genuine ownership of European markets.
Tour Operator Contracting Manager - Europe (French Speaking) employer: Antal International Network
Contact Detail:
Antal International Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tour Operator Contracting Manager - Europe (French Speaking)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend travel trade events and workshops to meet potential employers and suppliers face-to-face. Building those relationships can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your negotiation skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your ability to negotiate deals and manage supplier relationships. This is key for a role like the European Contracting Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Research the companies you're interested in and reach out directly. A personal touch can make all the difference, so don’t hesitate to apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay organised and detail-oriented! Keep track of your applications and follow up where necessary. Showing that you’re on top of things can impress hiring managers and help you land that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Tour Operator Contracting Manager - Europe (French Speaking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of European Contracting Manager. Highlight your experience in travel, tourism, or hospitality, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills and any relevant languages you speak!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for travel and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of contracting and supplier management.
Show Off Your Commercial Awareness: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the travel market and your ability to negotiate effectively. We want to see that you can think commercially and make decisions that benefit both us and our suppliers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as a European Contracting Manager!
How to prepare for a job interview at Antal International Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you research the company and its position in the travel industry. Understand their focus on European group and coach travel, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in contracting and supplier management.
✨Show Off Your Language Skills
Since this role requires fluency in French and English, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. Practise speaking about your previous experiences in both languages, as it will show your confidence and capability in a bilingual environment.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your negotiation skills. Think of specific examples from your past where you successfully negotiated contracts or built supplier relationships. Highlight your commercial awareness and how you can apply it to benefit the company.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Travel Experience
Since the role involves overseas travel and supplier meetings, share your relevant travel experiences. Talk about any previous roles where you managed supplier relationships or conducted market research, and how those experiences have prepared you for this position.
