At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead travel operations from booking to post-travel follow-up, ensuring premium client experiences.
- Company: Join Holiwise, an AI-powered startup revolutionising the travel industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity incentives, and significant career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced startup environment with a chance to build and lead a global team.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a premium travel business with direct client impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operations, excellent communication, and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Holiwise
Holiwise is an AI-powered platform using in-house machine learning models to reinvent the premium travel experience. We’re hiring a Head of Travel Operations to join our rapidly growing team and work directly with the founding team - a role with significant leadership and growth potential as we scale, and direct exposure to high-net-worth clients and revenue. The founding team brings experience from Goldman Sachs, Spotify, Microsoft and Barclays Investment Bank. We’ve recently raised $1.7M from senior executives at Google, Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, Barclays and others.
This is a hands-on role first. You will personally manage trips end-to-end today, and build and lead the operations team as we grow over the next 12-18 months. It’s one of our most demanding roles - and one of our most rewarding. This is not a 9-to-5.
Key Responsibilities
- Own travel operations end-to-end, from booking confirmation to trip completion and post-travel follow-up
- Act as the primary, client-facing operational point of contact for premium clients
- Execute bespoke travel requests, coordinating flights, hotels, transfers, and special requests
- Manage and grow relationships with global hotels, DMCs, and other travel suppliers
- Handle real-time changes, issues, and escalations during travel with calm and decisive problem-solving
- Collaborate closely with the founding team and engineers to improve internal tools and systems
- Prepare the foundations for scaling the operations team, including training materials and quality standards
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years in an operations role - in any industry
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence communicating directly with clients
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle last-minute changes and escalations
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving processes
- A strong work ethic and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences
Why Join Holiwise?
- Opportunity to take a founding operational role in one of the fastest-growing AI startups in travel
- Direct influence over how a premium travel business is built
- Significant scope for career progression, including building and leading a global operations team
- Work closely with a highly experienced founding team backed by world-class investors
- Competitive salary and equity incentives
Head of Travel Operations employer: Holiwise
Holiwise is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead travel operations in a fast-paced, innovative environment. With direct exposure to high-net-worth clients and the chance to shape a premium travel experience, employees benefit from significant career progression, competitive salaries, and equity incentives. The collaborative work culture, backed by a founding team with prestigious backgrounds, fosters personal growth and a rewarding career path in the rapidly evolving AI travel sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Travel Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the travel industry, especially those who have experience with startups. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Holiwise and its founders. Understand their vision and how your skills can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've handled last-minute changes or escalations in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment like Holiwise.
✨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 your enthusiasm for joining our team at Holiwise.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Travel Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:When writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about travel. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight your love for creating exceptional travel experiences. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Travel Operations role. Highlight your operational experience and how it relates to managing high-net-worth clients and bespoke travel requests.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and keep your application focused. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the travel industry. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holiwise
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Holiwise's mission and values. Understand their AI-powered approach to travel and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the team.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past roles where you successfully handled last-minute changes or escalations. Highlight your calmness under pressure and how you turned challenges into opportunities. This is crucial for a hands-on role like this one.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be the primary point of contact for premium clients, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use role-play scenarios to simulate client interactions, showcasing your excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Bring along a portfolio or examples of how you've managed operations in the past. Discuss your methods for staying organised and detail-oriented, especially in fast-paced environments. This will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the role.
