Tour Operator - East Sussex

Tour Operator - East Sussex

Full-Time 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
E

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Organise unforgettable sports tours worldwide, ensuring seamless experiences for teams.
  • Company: Join Edwin Doran, a leader in bespoke school sports travel.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, annual bonuses, and 25 days of leave plus your birthday off.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Create life-long memories while travelling to exotic destinations with sports teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex group travel itineraries, especially in sports.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

Edwin Doran Sports Tours are amongst the leaders in tailormade school sports travel. Using their specialist knowledge and global partnerships, Edwin Doran build bespoke tours with well-matched fixtures in some of the most exotic host countries in the world. Across rugby, hockey, cricket, netball and more, our tours promote physical and mental development as a team and as individuals. Teams return with life-long memories of the people they have met and learned from along the way.

The role involves organising seamless tour experiences for up to 50 group Sports Tours per year, travelling all over the world with high concentrations in Europe, Caribbean, South Africa and Australasia. The role exists to ensure that the Customer receives a high level of personalised service and allows for extra touches to be made, which are key to maintaining the Edwin Doran Sports Tours brand.

You will be responsible for:

  • Managing customer’s needs from the moment a new Tour is agreed.
  • Planning detailed and complex itineraries for multi-centre short and long haul tours.
  • Using existing contacts or sourcing new accommodation, excursions & other tour elements.
  • Co-ordinating sporting fixtures to the relevant team standards / level of play.
  • Working closely with the Tour Manager to piece together a “once in a lifetime” trip for the team.
  • Negotiating rates with suppliers & ground service agents.
  • Ensuring all final itinerary details are prepared and given to the group.
  • Working with overseas suppliers and ensuring that all Health & Safety Audits are complete.
  • Financially taking responsibility for checking & authorising tour payments to suppliers.
  • Attending Fam Trips & visits to roadshows to keep product knowledge up to date & relevant.
  • Working closely with the sales team to ensure that Tour requests are handed over accurately.
  • Managing on call phone (within a rota).

What we are looking for:

  • Significant experience operating complex group travel itineraries, ideally within the sports travel sector.
  • Proven experience managing long-haul sports tours, including multi-centre itineraries and complex logistics.
  • Strong destination knowledge of South Africa, including accommodation, transport networks, sports fixtures, excursions, health and safety requirements, and operational considerations.
  • Excellent understanding of the operational requirements of overseas sports tours, including risk management, safeguarding and customer service.
  • A good understanding of sports participation and the various needs of each sport, such as playing surface requirements, age regulations and squad sizes across Rugby, Netball, Cricket, Hockey and Football.
  • Well-travelled, with first-hand experience of inspecting and operating sports tour destinations.
  • Strong commercial awareness with experience negotiating supplier contracts and securing best-value solutions.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tours simultaneously.
  • Excellent organisation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Knowledge of Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Office and PowerPoint essential.
  • Ability to quickly learn systems, processes and procedures.

Desirable:

  • Ideally well-travelled.
  • Confident manner and a team player.
  • A second European language.
  • Full driver’s license.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Hybrid or Remote working.
  • Annual Bonus scheme.
  • Opportunities to travel overseas on familiarisation trips.
  • 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays and a bonus day off for your birthday; tenure based annual leave benefit, up to a maximum of an additional 5 days depending on length of service.
  • Global recognition and reward programme.
  • Access to extensive online learning resources.
  • In-house training opportunities.
  • Regular social events.
  • Various employee discounts and offers, including discounted trips with our brands.

We believe that people are happier and perform best when they are able to be their true selves and that diverse teams deliver better results. We are committed to building an inclusive culture and embracing diversity in all its dimensions.

Tour Operator - East Sussex employer: Experience Education

Edwin Doran Sports Tours is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and attention to detail are celebrated. With opportunities for hybrid or remote working, extensive training resources, and the chance to travel on familiarisation trips, employees can grow both personally and professionally while contributing to unforgettable sports experiences for teams worldwide. The company fosters an inclusive culture that values diversity, ensuring that every team member can thrive and bring their authentic selves to work.

E

Contact Details:

Experience Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Tour Operator - East Sussex

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 Experience Education who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Tour Operator - East Sussex.

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 Experience Education and give you a leg up for your Tour Operator - East Sussex 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 Tour Operator - East Sussex openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!

We think you need these skills to ace Tour Operator - East Sussex

Tour Itinerary Planning
Logistical Planning
Supplier Negotiation
Customer Relationship Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Risk Management
Sports Knowledge

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 Tour Operator - East Sussex role at Experience Education.

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 Tour Operator - East Sussex position at Experience Education.

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 Experience Education.

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 Experience Education's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Tour Operator - East Sussex.

How to prepare for a job interview at Experience Education

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 Experience Education.