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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts for European travel services.
- Company: Established B2B tour operator with a focus on group travel across Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for overseas travel.
- Why this job: Gain ownership of European markets and make impactful connections in the travel industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in travel or hospitality, fluent in French and English.
- Other info: Long-term stability and career progression in a dynamic office-based role.
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. The position offers genuine ownership of European supplier relationships and markets within a well-structured, respected tour operating business. The role would suit an experienced tour operator contracting / purchasing professional, although strong junior candidates with relevant tour operating, travel, or hospitality experience will also be considered.
The Role – European Contracting & Supplier Management
This is a hands-on, commercial role focused on hotel and ground service contracting across Europe, primarily supporting India-focused group tour programmes. 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 per year, usually in one-week periods.
About You
- Background within a tour operator, DMC, or group travel business
- Experience within travel, tourism, or hospitality
- Exposure to contracting, purchasing, supplier negotiations, or product management
- Fluent French and English (additional European languages such as German or Dutch advantageous)
- Strong commercial awareness with confident negotiation skills
- Comfortable building supplier relationships and attending face-to-face meetings
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and proactive
- Confident IT skills, particularly Excel and Microsoft Office
- Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)
- Able to work in a fully office-based role
- Strong junior profiles with the right tour operating 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 tour operating
- Overseas travel and genuine ownership of European markets
Tour Operator Contracting Manager - Europe (French Speaking) in Harrow employer: Parkside
Contact Detail:
Parkside Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tour Operator Contracting Manager - Europe (French Speaking) in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend travel trade events and workshops to meet industry folks. It's all about those face-to-face connections that can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your negotiation skills! When you get the chance, talk about your past experiences in contracting and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships. We love a confident communicator!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach. Research potential employers and reach out directly if you see a fit. A little initiative goes a long way in landing that dream role with us!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to take ownership of their roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Tour Operator Contracting Manager - Europe (French Speaking) in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Tour Operator Contracting Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in contracting, supplier management, and any travel-related roles you've had. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Language Skills: Since this role requires fluent French and English, don’t forget to showcase your language skills prominently. If you have any additional languages, like German or Dutch, mention those too! It’ll definitely give you an edge.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website by clicking the application button. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super simple!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the European travel market and the specific suppliers you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, competitor offerings, and any unique selling points that could set you apart in negotiations.
✨Show Off Your Language Skills
Since this role requires fluency in French, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. Practise speaking about your experience in French, especially in a business context, to show you're comfortable communicating with suppliers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific contracting situations or supplier negotiations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed relationships or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's approach to supplier management or their expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
