At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and relationships with Italian hotels, ensuring top-notch service for discerning travellers.
- Company: Join Kirker Holidays, a leading specialist tour operator focused on Italy.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for travel and professional growth in the travel industry.
- Other info: Regular travel to Italy and dynamic work environment with a focus on cultural excellence.
- Why this job: Be the expert in Italian culture and make a real impact on luxury travel experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracting, passion for Italy, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Kirker Holidays is looking to recruit a Product Manager – Italy to cover all aspects of Kirker’s renowned Italy programme. This role needs an enthusiastic expert who has extensive knowledge of what a culturally‑inclined, discerning traveller needs from a specialist tour operator. The individual will require extensive knowledge of Italy and the hotels that meet Kirker’s specification, especially independent properties that are able to provide clients with high levels of personal services and meticulous attention to detail.
Contract Management
- Lead Kirker’s contracting strategy for Italy
- Act as the key point of contact for suppliers (hotels, DMCs and transfer companies) regarding contracting and operational matters
- Negotiate contracts with new and existing hotels including annual renewals and seasonal special offers
- Liaise closely with the Managing Director, Reservations Manager and Marketing Manager to ensure that the company has market‑leading contracts
- Visit suppliers in Italy on a regular basis to ensure expert, first‑hand knowledge of all aspects of Italian product
- Arrange and participate in educational trips for colleagues and travel agents
- Support the Kirker Cultural Tours & Music Holidays group programme
- Maintain existing relationships and research new destinations & cultural highlights, as well as monitoring updates regarding refurbishment and new openings
Key Tasks
- Negotiate contracts and successfully manage supplier relationships
- Prepare, complete and load supplier contracts onto the booking system
- Write accurate and effective brochure copy for print and digital media
- Manage existing and new supplier relationships to ensure the company maximises commercial opportunities and maintains its reputation as the preeminent Italy specialist tour operator in the UK market and beyond
- Communicate regularly and effectively with Reservations and Marketing teams
- Travel regularly within Italy to meet in person with hotels and other suppliers to manage and develop commercial opportunities
- Speak directly to clients and travel agents when the need arises
- Monitor competitors’ activities to ensure Kirker promotions reflect the latest offers
The successful applicant will have:
- A wide experience in Contracting within a similar role and excellent product knowledge
- A passion for Italy and Italian culture
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills to ensure that colleagues, hoteliers and clients all recognise the individual in this role as a respected leader and inspirational, expert manager who is passionate and proud about the company they represent and the role they fulfil
- An Italian speaker who has excellent written and spoken English
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Industries: Travel Arrangements
Product Manager Italy employer: Kirker Holidays
Kirker Holidays is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates passion for travel and Italian culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development through educational trips and collaboration with industry experts. Located in a dynamic sector, Kirker Holidays ensures its team enjoys a rewarding experience while contributing to the success of a leading specialist tour operator.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager Italy
✨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 Kirker Holidays who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Product Manager Italy.
✨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 Kirker Holidays and give you a leg up for your Product Manager Italy 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 Product Manager Italy openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager Italy
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 Product Manager Italy role at Kirker Holidays.
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 Product Manager Italy position at Kirker Holidays.
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 Kirker Holidays.
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 Kirker Holidays's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Product Manager Italy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirker Holidays
✨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 Kirker Holidays.
