Europe Product Development Manager in Slough

ABOUT US
Our philosophy at The Travel Corporation (TTC) is simple, we create enriching experiences for travellers by combining an unbeatable mix of exceptional service and quality at great value. As a global business with over 100 years of experience in the travel industry, our ethos of being 'Driven by Service', ensures we keep our values of passion, people and purpose at the heart of everything we do - designing and running immersive, innovative and responsible travel experiences for our guests across 70 countries. Join us in creating life-changing moments for every guest across our award-winning brands and experience the TTC difference.

OUR VALUES

• Driven by service
• An inherent passion for travel
• Commitment to our customers and to our people
• Commitment to social responsibility and our 5-year sustainability strategy

POSITION SUMMARY
We’re looking for a creative, operational and commercially astute Product Development Manager to join our team and shape the next generation of Contiki adventures. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands what makes a tour truly unforgettable—someone who thrives on crafting immersive, culturally rich, and sustainable experiences that connect travellers with local people and places in a meaningful way. You’ll be responsible for the ideation, sourcing, costing and development of new Product in Europe. As Contiki's heartland is Europe, we are looking for ways to widen our product offerings in this key region and continually evolve and innovate. This role will translate the global strategy into local briefs and product sourcing and ensure that the Contiki brand promise is being developed and operated.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct thorough and extensive research of new potential destinations in Europe.
• Analyse the existing Contiki global product line and suggest new product ideas where there are gaps and opportunities.
• Conduct competitor analysis of the travel landscape to understand the ways in which other travel businesses are tackling different destinations.
• Perform recces on road where needed to assess the suitability of new product.
• Build and complete briefs for new product development.
• Ensure all the internal communications are managed and that product is accurately briefed and trained to marketing teams, contact centres, sales team and so forth.
• Cost and contract all newly developed product ideas (Europe).
• Work closely with the Travel Experiences, Operations, Brand and Marketing Teams to bring new product to market in a timely and effective manner.
• Represent Contiki when meeting with new potential suppliers: accommodation, activities, experiences, and transportation and at Trade shows and events – like ITB, WYSTC and WTM.
• Quality control the ongoing product.

KEY INDIVIDUAL TRAITS
A trait is an enduring characteristic that serves as a strong indicator of potential for success in this role.

• Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to adjust effectively to changing environments, priorities, and challenges. Embraces new ideas and approaches with flexibility and openness.
• Collaborative: Builds strong relationships and works cross-functionally with a consultative, co-creative approach to influence and align others in a fast-paced environment.
• Resilience: Remains calm and effective under pressure, persistent through challenges, and driven to achieve long-term goals.

YOUR EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

• You have experience in product development or operations for group trips, ideally also with on-the-road experience leading groups. Experience in small group product development and/or operation will be highly regarded.
• You are fully immersed in youth culture and know how to source youth travel trends digitally via social media. You scan the horizon for the next big, upcoming destinations that are motivating and inspiring young people.
• You’re a curious and thoughtful traveller who understands the difference between ticking a box and creating a memory.
• You have a sharp eye for detail but never lose sight of the bigger picture—guest experience, brand fit, and commercial viability.
• You’re collaborative and confident working across functions, especially with Contracting, Sales, and on-the-ground delivery teams (Operations).
• You understand the operational complexity of delivering immersive, flexible experiences, and can design accordingly.
• You know how to develop a fantastic itinerary and have a genuine passion for cultural connection, nature, and responsible tourism.
• You’ll keep the customer in mind throughout the product development journey and monitor feedback closely for continuous improvement.
• You’ll have a thorough understanding of the competitor landscape, both new entrants and legacy players and will be up to date on new destination launches or product changes within this landscape.
• You can build and manage strong relationships with local suppliers, DMCs and activity providers and have an existing network to tap into.
• You’re confident working in a variety of Microsoft based systems and have a desire to constantly be learning and improving your use of technology to support your daily tasks.

TRAVEL & BENEFITS

• This role is Hybrid – split between Central London Office and Home.
• Travel throughout the region is a mandatory requirement of the role (Europe). The ability to travel without restriction is imperative to the success of the product output.
• Two weeks 'WFA – Work from anywhere' policy allows our team to take the office on the road for two weeks of the year and work remotely from another location around the world.
• 20 days annual leave which builds annually by one day a year until you reach 25 days (plus all bank holidays).
• Private Medical Care via BUPA.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Our employees are encouraged to take advantage of our volunteer programmes with two paid days each year where a team member can give to a charity of their choice.
• Discounted Travel! Try our trips at a discounted price.
• Social events including – including two team days a year out of the office with your team and other events such as Summer BBQ, Christmas party and regular events in London including bowling, crazy golf, quiz night!
• Season tickets and cycle to work scheme.
• And many more...