At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage travel operations from bookings to itinerary coordination for exciting group trips.
- Company: Join a trusted tour operator with over 35 years of experience in customised travel.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous bonuses, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with great career growth and flexibility.
- Why this job: Be the go-to person for clients and suppliers while exploring Europe on FAM trips.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a knack for customer service; additional languages are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
With over 35 years of expertise, Operation Europe Ltd. is a trusted incoming tour operator specialising in customised special-interest group travel across Europe and the UK. Strong supplier partnerships and a reputation for quality enable us to deliver seamless, tailored travel experiences. We are now seeking a Group Operations Specialist to join our growing Operations team in our vibrant canal-side London office.
As the Group Operations Specialist, you will play a key role in managing end-to-end travel operations, from bookings and reservations to itinerary coordination. The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide high-quality service. You will act as the primary point of contact for clients, providing professional support, whilst also building and maintaining strong supplier relationships worldwide. With a customer-focused mindset and strong communication skills, you will ensure seamless service delivery and occasionally travel for familiarisation (FAM) trips or supplier meetings. Flexibility to provide on-call support during peak travel seasons is also an important part of the role. Given our multicultural and multilingual network of stakeholders and suppliers, the ability to speak additional European languages would be highly advantageous.
Key Responsibilities:
- Booking & Reservations: Manage end-to-end travel bookings, including flights, hotels, transportation, tours, and other services. Process bookings using the in-house reservation systems. Coordinate itineraries for individuals and groups.
- Client Support & Communication: Act as the primary contact for clients prior to, during, and post-travel. Handle client queries, amendments, cancellations, and special requests. Provide accurate and timely travel documentation e.g. tickets, vouchers, itineraries.
- Supplier Coordination: Liaise with local and global suppliers to confirm services. Secure competitive rates and monitor supplier performance. Maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Operational Excellence: Ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery. Monitor and update internal systems and client records accurately. Advise and assist clients whilst on tour.
- Reporting & Administration: Reconcile invoices. Support the finance team with payment processing.
Person Profile:
- Excellent communication skills in English both written and verbal.
- Strong customer service orientation and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage time effectively and multi-task.
- Adaptable approach to changing priorities.
- Team player with a collaborative working style and effective communication skills.
- Confidence in decision-making.
- Additional language skills would be an advantage but are not essential.
What you can expect:
- Competitive salary.
- Monday to Friday working week, with hybrid working arrangements (following probation).
- Generous bonus structure, eligibility following one year's service.
- Opportunities to attend FAM trips in Europe and to travel to client markets for business.
- A friendly, co-operative, and rewarding working environment.
Group Operations Specialist in London employer: Operation Europe Ltd.
Operation Europe Ltd. offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth in the travel industry. Employees benefit from strong supplier partnerships and a focus on delivering high-quality service, which fosters a collaborative culture. The company also supports travel for familiarisation trips, enhancing employee experience and knowledge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Operations Specialist in London
✨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 Operation Europe Ltd. who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Group Operations Specialist.
✨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 Operation Europe Ltd. and give you a leg up for your Group Operations Specialist 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 Group Operations Specialist openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Operations Specialist in London
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 Group Operations Specialist role at Operation Europe Ltd..
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 Group Operations Specialist position at Operation Europe Ltd..
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 Operation Europe Ltd..
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 Operation Europe Ltd.'s adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Group Operations Specialist.
How to prepare for a job interview at Operation Europe Ltd.
✨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 Operation Europe Ltd..
