At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client reservations and deliver top-notch customer service in the travel industry.
- Company: Join the Abbey Group, a certified Great Place to Work with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a focus on your professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping unforgettable travel experiences for clients.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for customer care are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and involvement in sustainability initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Abbey Group is an established and fast-growing Destination Management Company dedicated to selling the destinations of Ireland and the UK to the International travel trade on a B2B basis. The Group has offices in Dublin and Edinburgh with a remote team presence across Ireland, the UK and a number of European countries. Today, the group consists of Abbey The Destination Experts (Ireland & UK), Abbey Conferences, Abbey Events and Moloney & Kelly (Ireland & UK). The Group has five divisions specialising in specific types of inbound tourism:
- Group Travel
- Individual & Online Travel
- Incentive & Luxury Leisure Travel
- Conferences
- Events
WHY WORK FOR US
- The Abbey Group is proud to hold a certification for being a Great Place To Work UK & a Great Place to Work Ireland
- Progressive Company Deloitte Best Managed company for 16 consecutive years
- Hybrid/blended working option available
- Up to 60 days per year remote working abroad
- A paid day off on your birthday & an additional paid day off over the Christmas period
- Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
- Company contribution to People’s pension scheme
- Discretionary flexible benefit contribution towards pension or health care plan
- Learning and development opportunities – individual training budget per year
- Employee Assistance Programme – health & wellbeing support
- Active Social Committee and Green Team including free events throughout the year
The Role
Using Tourplan (in-house Tour Operating and booking system) to efficiently quote FIT enquiries and to make consequent bookings and reservations for hotels and other ancillary service.
Core Duties Include:
- Undertake FIT client reservations in an efficient and a focused manner
- Ensure agreed response times to clients are met and all reservations undertaken are accurate
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Abbey Clients under your care
- Deliver first class customer service to our clients
- Provide assistance to other Abbey UK staff in the business development and operations of agreed leisure and incentive bookings
- Working with our reservation system Tourplan, ensure all procedures are adhered to and as directed by your line manager and potentially clients’ extranets
- Work with the Manager to support in quoting programmes and rates to existing and new clients
- Hotel and other service reservations, maintaining strong supplier relationships
- Take part in the on-call backup services including a 24-hour telephone backup service on a rotating basis
- Ensure the profit margin targets on bookings under your care are achieved as laid out in company pricing guidelines (per market) and as directed by your manager
- A hands‑on approach to developing FIT business for the UK from existing and potential new clients
- Provide assistance to other Abbey UK staff in the business development and operations of agreed leisure bookings
- Full utilisation of the Tourplan system to generate all client quotations and subsequent follow up
- Any agreed sales and marketing activities, either in Ireland and the UK or in the overseas marketplace
- Support with the supervision of any staff/trainees assigned to the area
- Any other duties as assigned from time to time by your Manager or Director
- Assisting the Abbey Group with its environmental and responsible tourism initiatives
You will report to FIT Team Leader UK, which may change at some point in the future. Depending on role - Some international travel may be required and will be in compliance with the company’s Business Travel Policy.
Requirements
Essential:
- Very good knowledge of MS Office
- Fluency in English
- Excellent organisational skills with good attention to detail
- Excellent customer care and communication skills
- Team player able to work in a busy environment
Desirable:
- Relevant degree qualification in Languages, Business or Tourism
- Fluency in French
- A good knowledge of the UK-wide inbound tourism industry products
- Some experience of handling VIP and/or luxury FIT accounts
- Experience using Tourplan
- Travel & Tourism degree or relevant travel industry experience preferable
The Abbey Group are committed to offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion or disability. Our hiring process includes unbiased job postings, diverse interview panels and objective evaluation criteria. We ensure equal opportunities for promotions, providing all employees with a fair chance to progress in their careers. We fully comply with UK equality laws and maintain a zero‑tolerance policy for discrimination in the workplace.
FIT Executive - Abbey Group employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FIT Executive - Abbey Group
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the travel industry, especially those connected to Abbey Group. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with Tourplan or similar systems, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of how you’ve used tech to streamline processes or improve customer service. It’s all about proving you can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to Abbey Group and express your interest in the FIT Executive role. A friendly email or LinkedIn message can go a long way in making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like it’s the Olympics! Research Abbey Group thoroughly—know their values, recent projects, and what makes them a great place to work. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering top-notch service in the tourism sector.
We think you need these skills to ace FIT Executive - Abbey Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the FIT Executive role. Highlight your experience in customer service and any relevant tourism knowledge. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about working with the Abbey Group. Share specific examples of how your skills align with the job description, especially around client relationships and attention to detail.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires excellent organisational skills, consider including examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. We love seeing how you handle busy environments!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply 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 you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the Abbey Group and its various divisions. Understand their services, especially in FIT (Fully Independent Travel) and how they cater to clients. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Master Tourplan
Since you'll be using Tourplan for bookings, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of how it works. If you can, try to get some hands-on experience or watch tutorials online. Being able to discuss your familiarity with the system will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you delivered exceptional customer service. The Abbey Group values strong relationships with clients, so demonstrating your ability to handle inquiries and resolve issues effectively will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the company culture, or specific challenges the FIT department faces. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team.