At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for European tours.
- Company: Established B2B tour operator with a focus on group travel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for overseas travel.
- Other info: Long-term stability and career progression in a dynamic sector.
- Why this job: Gain real ownership in a respected role within the travel industry.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Dutch and English, with experience in travel or hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
An established B2B tour operator specialising in European group and coach travel is seeking a European Contracting Manager to join its London-based team. This is a business-critical, long-term role, replacing a team member who has been with the company for over 11 years. It offers the opportunity to step into a well-structured, respected position with real ownership of supplier relationships and European markets. The role would suit an experienced travel contracting / purchasing professional, although strong junior candidates with relevant travel or hospitality background will also be considered.
The Role – European Contracting & Supplier Management
This is a hands-on, commercial role focused on hotel and ground service contracting for European tours, primarily supporting India-focused group travel. Key responsibilities include:
- Contracting, negotiating, and managing hotels, transport providers, attractions, and ground services across Europe
- Owning and developing long-term supplier relationships, including regular face-to-face meetings
- Conducting rate negotiations, market research, and competitor analysis
- Attending UK and European travel trade events and workshops (e.g. London, Paris, Italy)
- Overseas travel for supplier contracting during peak periods (typically June–September, in short stints)
- Working closely with internal operations and sales teams to ensure smooth tour delivery
- Maintaining accurate contracting, pricing, and supplier records
- Supporting continuous improvement of product quality and commercial performance
The role requires flexibility to travel for approximately 2–3 months of the year, usually in one-week periods.
About You
- Experience within travel, tourism, or hospitality
- Exposure to contracting, purchasing, supplier negotiations, or product management
- Fluent Dutch and English (additional European languages such as German or French advantageous)
- Strong commercial awareness with confident negotiation skills
- Comfortable building relationships and attending face-to-face supplier meetings
- Organised, detail-oriented, and proactive
- Confident IT skills, particularly Excel and Microsoft Office
- Full, clean UK driving licence required
- Able to work in a fully office-based role
- Strong junior profiles with the right industry background will also be considered.
Additional Information
- Office located a short walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill station
- Interview process: video interview followed by face-to-face
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Long-term stability and progression within the travel sector
- Overseas travel and genuine ownership of European markets
Dutch Speaking - European Contracting Manager in Harrow employer: Parkside
Join a well-established B2B tour operator in Harrow-on-the-Hill, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative team environment. With a focus on employee growth and long-term stability, this role offers the chance to take ownership of supplier relationships across Europe while enjoying opportunities for overseas travel and professional development in the dynamic travel sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dutch Speaking - European Contracting Manager in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news related to them. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or workshops where you can meet people from the company or similar roles. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to contracting and supplier management. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Dutch Speaking - European Contracting Manager in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really soak in the job description. It’s not just about ticking boxes; understanding what we’re looking for will help you tailor your application and show us you’re the right fit.
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have in travel, tourism, or hospitality. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of European Contracting Manager, so don’t hold back on those relevant skills!
Be Yourself:We love authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Whether it’s your passion for travel or your knack for negotiation, we want to get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you’ve polished up your application, head over to our website to submit it. This ensures that your application goes directly to us, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and its role in the travel industry. Familiarise yourself with their services, especially around European group travel. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves a lot of contracting and supplier management, be ready to discuss your negotiation experiences. Prepare specific examples where you successfully negotiated terms or built strong supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the position.
✨Brush Up on Your Languages
Fluency in Dutch and English is a must, but if you have any additional European languages, make sure to highlight them. Practising a few key phrases in those languages can impress your interviewers and show that you’re ready to engage with diverse suppliers across Europe.
✨Be Ready for Travel Talk
Since the role requires overseas travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and past travel experiences. Share how you’ve managed travel logistics in previous roles and express your enthusiasm for exploring new markets. This will reassure them that you’re up for the adventure!
