At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver unforgettable group travel events across the UK and Europe.
- Company: People-focused educational travel business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 25 days leave, health support, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Office-based in Surrey with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Lead exciting events and make a real impact in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in travel operations and strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a growing, people-focused educational travel business based in Surrey that specialises in delivering exceptional group events and educational travel experiences across the UK and Europe. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced travel operations professional who enjoys taking ownership, supporting a team, and being hands-on in delivering memorable events. You’ll be joining a collaborative, energetic environment where customer experience and teamwork are genuinely valued.
What will I be doing?
- Taking responsibility for the smooth planning and delivery of group travel events from start to finish
- Supporting and developing junior team members, working closely with the Operations Manager
- Coordinating key elements such as venues, accommodation, transport and event logistics
- Liaising with clients to gather requirements, confirm details and ensure a seamless journey
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and partners
- Managing budgets, monitoring costs and protecting margins
- Overseeing multiple groups travelling at the same time, ensuring all details are accurate and delivered on schedule
- Travelling to events and leading operations on the ground, managing timings, logistics and resolving issues in real time
- Contributing ideas to improve processes, efficiency and the overall customer experience
- Participating in an occasional out-of-hours duty rota following a qualifying period
What experience do I need?
- Solid experience within travel operations, ideally involving group tours or events
- Previous experience leading or mentoring team members
- A strong customer service background with confident written and verbal communication skills
- Commercial awareness and experience working to budgets and deadlines
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- Good working knowledge of Excel
- Desirable experience includes knowledge of the school travel market, group tour operations, sporting events or French language skills.
What else do I need to know?
- Office-based role in Surrey with potentially some flexibility on this in the future
- Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with flexible start and finish times available
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Health and wellbeing support
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Regular travel to events in the UK and Europe
- A genuinely supportive, team-driven culture where ideas and initiative are welcomed
If you are an experienced travel operations professional who enjoys ownership, leadership and delivering outstanding events, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Operations Coordinator employer: Rockpool Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Rockpool Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the travel industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events or workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also puts you in front of potential employers. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded folks who share your passion for travel operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your experience! When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, highlight your past successes in managing events and leading teams. We want to hear about how you’ve made a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team. Let’s make your next career move a fantastic one!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in travel operations, especially with group events. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Team Spirit: Since we value teamwork, don’t forget to mention any experiences where you’ve supported or mentored others. Share examples that showcase your collaborative approach and leadership skills.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and relevant experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockpool Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the company’s mission and values, especially their focus on customer experience and teamwork. Brush up on your knowledge of group travel operations and be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supporting and developing junior team members, prepare examples of how you've successfully led or mentored others in previous positions. Highlight specific situations where your leadership made a difference in event delivery or team dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenges on the ground during events. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to resolve issues quickly and effectively, and be prepared to share your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
With multiple groups travelling simultaneously, it’s crucial to show your organisational prowess. Bring examples of how you’ve managed complex logistics in the past, including budget management and maintaining supplier relationships, to illustrate your capability.