Operational Director - Travel Department in London
Operational Director - Travel Department

Operational Director - Travel Department in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale travel operations, ensuring top-notch service for corporate clients.
  • Company: Join Insignia Group, a leader in luxury travel services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape travel experiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the luxury travel sector with your expertise.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in travel, strong leadership, and negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to build a global network.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Insignia Group of Companies is seeking an experienced Operational Director to lead and scale its Travel Department operations. This senior role will be responsible for overseeing all travel-related services, supplier networks, pricing strategies, service quality, and operational excellence across corporate and UHNW client segments. The successful candidate will play a key role in building and managing corporate travel services for VCFC and Insignia corporate clients, ensuring seamless delivery, competitive pricing, and premium service standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Leadership
    • Lead and manage the travel back-office operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and service excellence.
    • Oversee day-to-day operations across: Hotel reservations, Airline ticketing, Chauffeur and ground transportation, Deliveries, logistics, and movements, Ancillary travel-related services.
    • Build, manage, and optimize a global network of suppliers, including: Airlines, Hotels and hospitality partners, Car rental and mobility providers, Logistics and service vendors.
    • Negotiate commercial agreements, preferred rates, SLAs, and exclusive benefits.
    • Monitor supplier performance, service quality, and compliance with Insignia standards.
  • Pricing & Quality Control
    • Develop and manage pricing structures aligned with market competitiveness and margin objectives.
    • Ensure consistent quality of service, problem resolution, and escalation management.
    • Implement KPIs and reporting for operational performance and supplier quality.
  • Corporate Travel Services Development
    • Design and build corporate travel solutions tailored for: VCFC corporate clients, Large corporations and enterprise accounts.
    • Work closely with sales, concierge, and client relationship teams to support client acquisition and retention.
    • Create scalable travel service frameworks for corporate and VIP clients.
  • Stakeholder & Client Management
    • Act as a senior operational point of contact for key partners and internal stakeholders.
    • Support high-level client requests, complex itineraries, and mission-critical travel arrangements.
    • Ensure discretion, confidentiality, and premium service delivery at all times.

Required Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in the travel industry, ideally in: Corporate travel, Luxury travel, Airlines, hospitality, or travel services operations.
  • Proven experience in operations management and supplier coordination.
  • Strong existing network and contacts within: Airlines, Hotels and hospitality groups.
  • Strong operational and organizational leadership.
  • Excellent negotiation and commercial skills.
  • Deep understanding of corporate and luxury travel services.
  • Ability to build processes, teams, and scalable service models.
  • Client-focused mindset with attention to detail and service quality.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

Operational Director - Travel Department in London employer: Insignia Group of Companies

Insignia Group of Companies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and excellence in the travel sector are at the forefront. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values teamwork and high service standards. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys unique advantages such as access to a global network of suppliers and the chance to work with prestigious corporate clients, making every day both meaningful and rewarding.
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Contact Detail:

Insignia Group of Companies Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Director - Travel Department in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the travel industry, especially those who might know someone at Insignia. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Insignia's values and recent projects. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in what we do and how you can contribute to our success in the travel sector.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your operational leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved efficiency or service quality in your previous roles. We love hearing about real-world successes!

✨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 our team at Insignia.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Director - Travel Department in London

Operational Leadership
Supplier Management
Pricing Strategy Development
Service Quality Control
Negotiation Skills
KPI Implementation
Corporate Travel Solutions Design
Stakeholder Management
Client Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Organisational Leadership
Problem Resolution
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Director in the Travel Department. Highlight your experience in corporate and luxury travel, and don’t forget to showcase your operational leadership skills!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Insignia Group. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around managing supplier networks and ensuring service excellence.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve improved operations or enhanced service quality in previous positions.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Insignia Group of Companies

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the travel industry, especially corporate and luxury travel. Brush up on current trends, key players, and pricing strategies. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Operational Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or improved operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and ensure service excellence.

✨Be Ready to Negotiate

Negotiation is key in this role, so come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Whether it’s securing better rates with suppliers or resolving client issues, showcasing your negotiation skills can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Understand Client Needs

Since you'll be dealing with high-profile clients, it’s crucial to understand their unique needs. Think about how you would tailor travel solutions for different client segments. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure premium service delivery and maintain confidentiality.

Operational Director - Travel Department in London
Insignia Group of Companies
Location: London
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