At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of innovative tours and enhance customer experiences.
- Company: Join Jules Verne, a top travel operator known for unique group tours.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 23 days holiday, and exciting travel perks.
- Why this job: Inspire travellers to explore the world through imaginative experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in touring marketing and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a focus on sustainability and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are looking for a strategic, commercially sharp Product Manager to craft journeys rich in story, culture and discovery. If you have in-depth knowledge of the touring market and a passion for creating imaginative, authentic experiences, this might be the role for you. Step into a role where curiosity leads the way - and your work inspires travellers to explore the world differently. This is a full-time opportunity based in Great Suffolk Street, London and offers hybrid working (minimum of 3 days in the office required per week).
About Jules Verne
Jules Verne is a leading tour operator forming part of DERTOUR, one of Europeβs leading travel groups, renowned for crafting exceptional, small group escorted tours that offer unique and immersive travel experiences. With over 45 years of expertise, we are dedicated to curating thoughtfully designed itineraries that combine cultural discovery, historical depth, and authentic encounters across the globe.
The Role
As a Product Manager, you will lead the development and management of a part of our touring portfolio, driving growth through innovative small group journeys. This role covers our trips in Africa and the Middle East, as well as some trips in Europe. You will be an ambassador for the brand, ensuring high-quality standards and exceptional customer experiences. This role involves overseeing tour performance and negotiating with suppliers. Additionally, you will attend trade shows to gain market insights and foster product innovation.
Responsibilities
- New Product Development: Lead the creation and implementation of new tours, focusing on innovative and commercially viable products.
- International Engagement: Travel overseas and attend trade shows and industry events, facilitating new product development and enhancing existing offerings through market insights and networking opportunities.
- Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor the performance of all tours, using customer feedback and operational data to refine and enhance the experience.
- Task Management: Work alongside the Team Leader Product Assistants to prioritise and delegate tasks effectively to ensure efficient workflow and project completion.
- Supplier Agreements: Manage service level agreements with suppliers, ensuring high standards and resolving any challenges on the ground.
- Sustainability Practices: Integrate sustainable practices into product development and daily operations, contributing to the companyβs sustainability goals.
- Yield and Fill Rate Management: Optimise yield and fill rates for tours to maximise profitability.
- Rate Negotiation: Negotiate favourable rates with suppliers, with a focus on using DMCs within the DERTOUR Group.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure all tours comply with health and safety regulations.
- Customer Care Support: Assist the Product Assistants and Customer Care team with any operational challenges.
- Commercial Mindset: Apply a commercial mindset to all aspects of product management to drive growth.
General Duties
- Demonstrate a commitment to the core company values and mission in all actions and decisions.
- Act as a brand ambassador, positively representing the group both internally and externally.
- Support and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace, respecting perspectives and backgrounds, to foster a positive work environment.
- Contribute to a strong team spirit.
- Champion sustainable practices by integrating environmentally responsible actions into daily tasks and decision-making processes.
About You
Essential
- Commercial & Strategic Mindset β A commercially focused and strategic approach to product development, supplier negotiations, and tour performance.
- Exceptional Communication Skills β Strong verbal and written communication, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently.
- Advanced Organisational Abilities β Highly detail-oriented with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Task Management β Proven ability to multitask effectively, balancing competing deadlines while maintaining high-quality output.
- Technical Proficiency β Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Collaborative Mindset β Ability to work seamlessly across departments.
- Knowledge β An in-depth knowledge of the small group touring market.
Desirable
- Knowledge of sustainability practices and initiatives.
- Experience of Tiger Bay and Amadeus.
Personal Qualities
- Proactive and self-motivated.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Enthusiastic and positive attitude.
- Natural team player.
- Can-do attitude.
- Have a growth mindset, always pushing to do things better.
Jules Verne Benefits
- Contribute to the success of Jules Verne's unique tours.
- A dynamic and supportive working environment.
- Access to exciting travel experiences.
- Hybrid working policy.
- 23 days holiday, plus bank holidays (increases with length of service capped at 27).
- Flexi time (including option to bank hours giving an additional 4 days off per year).
- Birthday 'day off'.
- 2 volunteer days per year.
- Option to 'buy' additional leave.
- Holiday concessions for personal trips and discounts for friends & family.
- Company matched pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free annual travel insurance, which includes winter sports.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- 24-hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme and remote GP service.
- In-house social and wellbeing team with mental health first aiders and menopause champions.
- Bring your dog to work day (Fridays).
- Drinks trolley, 'Thirsty Thursday' and regular social events.
- Access to Perkbox (with 50 flexi points per month, wellness, celebration and reward hubs).
Jules Verne - Product Manager (Africa & Middle East) employer: DERTOUR UK
Contact Detail:
DERTOUR UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Jules Verne - Product Manager (Africa & Middle East)
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the travel industry, especially those who know Jules Verne. Attend trade shows, join relevant groups on social media, and donβt be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for travel! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your own travel stories and how theyβve shaped your perspective. This will not only showcase your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your understanding of what makes a great travel experience.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the companyβs tours and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission of creating unique and immersive experiences. Tailor your answers to reflect their focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youβre genuinely interested in being part of the Jules Verne team. Keep an eye on our updates and be proactive in following up if you havenβt heard back!
We think you need these skills to ace Jules Verne - Product Manager (Africa & Middle East)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in product management and the touring market, showcasing your strategic mindset and communication skills. Tailor it to reflect how you can contribute to our mission at Jules Verne.
Write a Personal Covering Letter: Donβt just repeat your CV in your covering letter; tell us your story! Share your passion for travel and how your experiences align with our values. Show us why you're excited about the role and how you can inspire travellers to explore the world differently.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: Take your time with the application questions. This is your chance to showcase your knowledge of the small group touring market and your innovative ideas for product development. Be specific and let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss any important updates. Plus, weβre here to help if you have any questions along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at DERTOUR UK
β¨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Jules Verne's offerings, especially those related to Africa and the Middle East. Familiarise yourself with their unique selling points and recent tours. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to enhancing their portfolio.
β¨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic thinking and commercial acumen. Think about how you've previously driven growth or improved profitability in product management. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this mindset to Jules Verne's touring experiences.
β¨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since exceptional communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common interview questions with a friend, focusing on conveying complex ideas simply. This will help you shine during discussions about supplier negotiations and team collaboration.
β¨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
Jules Verne values teamwork, so be prepared to share instances where you've successfully worked across departments. Highlight how you fostered collaboration and built relationships to achieve common goals. This will resonate well with their emphasis on a cohesive and fun team atmosphere.