At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate exciting wildlife tours, ensuring seamless operations from booking to completion.
- Company: Join a passionate employee-owned wildlife tour operator based in beautiful Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, a supportive team, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options and the chance to join tours in the UK and overseas.
- Why this job: Combine your love for travel and wildlife while making a real impact on unforgettable experiences.
- Qualifications: Organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for wildlife are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Heatherlea is a UK-based wildlife tour operator, offering guided wildlife and birdwatching holidays in Scotland and worldwide. We are an employee-owned company based at The Mountview Hotel in Nethy Bridge, with a team of people who combine practical travel expertise with a strong interest in wildlife, particularly birdwatching.
We are looking for a Senior Operations Coordinator to support the planning and delivery of our tours in the UK and overseas. This role focuses on the day-to-day coordination of our overseas tours, from initial booking through to completion. It would suit someone who is organised, comfortable managing details, and able to respond effectively to unexpected changes.
You’ll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring every tour runs seamlessly — from the moment a guest books to the moment they return home. This role suits someone who thrives on detail, enjoys problem-solving, and has a genuine interest in travel and wildlife. This is a rewarding full-time position with the opportunity for progression for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities- Oversee day-to-day tour operations, ensuring all logistics are accurate and timely.
- Manage bookings, documentation, and customer information through CRM systems.
- Liaise with airlines, ground agents, external hotels, guides, and other suppliers in the UK and overseas.
- Ensure all travel requirements, visas, permits, and entry regulations are correctly communicated and processed.
- Support tour leaders and customers with pre-departure information.
- Maintain accurate records, schedules, and operational documents.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of operational processes.
- Involvement in web page updates and social media content.
- Excellent IT skills and confident using CRM systems and digital workflows, such as Salesforce.
- Well-developed administration and organisational skills.
- Excellent literacy and numeracy.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Solid understanding of international travel requirements and documentation.
- Exceptional attention to detail — accuracy is absolutely key!
- Strong communication and organisational skills and confident in discussing with clients their requirements and needs.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks at once.
- Good knowledge of social media and how it can be utilised to grow the company client base.
- Minimum of 1 year’s experience in a similar role. Consideration will also be given to candidates who work in other industries but can clearly demonstrate transferable skills.
- Interest in wildlife, conservation, or birdwatching.
- 35 hour working week.
- 33 days holiday.
- A supportive team environment.
- Opportunities to grow within the organisation with training and development opportunities.
- Bike to Work Scheme.
- Employee-Owned Company Annual Bonus.
- Monthly Tip Share.
- Company Contributed Stakeholder Pension.
- Opportunities to join our tours in the UK and Overseas.
09:00 – 17:00, Monday – Friday. Option to move to a 4-day working week (08:00 - 17:45) after probation period. Starting salary £28K – £30K depending on experience.
Job Types: Full-time, PermanentPay: From £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress.
- Company events.
- Company pension.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- On-site parking.
Senior Operations Coordinator employer: Heatherlea Birdwatching Holdays
Contact Detail:
Heatherlea Birdwatching Holdays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Heatherlea, their tours, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Think about potential challenges in tour operations and how you'd handle them. Being ready to discuss problem-solving scenarios will impress interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife: When you're writing your application, let your love for wildlife and travel shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in what we do at Heatherlea, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Since the role is all about coordination and managing details, make sure your application reflects your organisational skills. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a tidy layout to show us you can handle the nitty-gritty of tour operations.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Take the time to tailor your application to the Senior Operations Coordinator role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your IT skills and attention to detail.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heatherlea Birdwatching Holdays
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Heatherlea's operations and values. Familiarise yourself with their tours, especially those focused on wildlife and birdwatching. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your organisational abilities. Discuss how you've managed logistics or coordinated events, especially in a travel context. This will demonstrate that you're ready to handle the day-to-day operations of their tours.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly to unexpected changes. Whether it was a last-minute booking issue or a logistical hiccup, share these stories to illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Express your passion for wildlife and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences related to travel or birdwatching that align with Heatherlea's mission. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly resonates with their values.