At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate contracts and develop relationships with suppliers in the travel industry.
- Company: Expanding travel trade provider with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to travel and attend industry events.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in travel with hands-on experience and skill development.
- Qualifications: Graduate in tourism or 12 months travel industry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 26000 £ per year.
On behalf of our client, we are currently recruiting for a Trainee/Graduate Contract Manager to join an expanding company who specialise in providing solutions for Global Travel trade. This role would suit a Travel Industry Graduate or someone who has worked for a couple of years within the Travel Industry. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their commercial & negotiation skills working within the UK Inbound travel industry. The position will offer an introduction to the contracting of attractions & restaurants. This role would suit an individual with strong negotiation skills who are comfortable in developing and maintaining supplier relationships.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Negotiate competitive rates and conditions for all land services notably restaurants & attractions.
- Secure contracts with suppliers in line with the purchasing strategy and remit advised from The Commercial Director.
- Product development: source new venues and be proactive in proposing new products appropriate to the various sales channels.
- Provide product updates and presentations of new products or packages to B2B clients.
- Propose, plan and attend business trips and meetings in order to negotiate and renegotiate contracts.
- Ensure existing and new supplier relationships are built and maintained to maximize all commercial opportunities.
- Organise and attend FAM trips.
- Attend key industry events, workshops and networking opportunities where required.
- Ability to travel to key destinations in the UK and Northern Europe when required.
- Prepare and analyse statistics via software products to benefit effective negotiations and product analysis for re-contracting.
- Develop and maintain commercially advantageous business relationships with our suppliers.
- Provide the Operations team with product updates and respond to day-to-day queries.
- Ensure all contracts are completed accurately and in full with all information being set up in a timely fashion.
- Liaise with all internal departments to ensure all departments are fully up to date including finance, systems, sales & marketing.
- Negotiate added-value deals, overrides and special offers.
- Constantly challenge yourself to increase product knowledge and identify potential suppliers to support our product offering.
- Investigate and resolve service complaints.
- Ensure high service quality standards are met year on year and promptly deal with queries from colleagues and suppliers.
- Entering contracts into the in-house HLG database.
Key Skills
- Graduate in tourism related subject or at least 12 months experience in the travel industry.
- Confident and passionate about learning and succeeding in the role.
- Strong commercial acumen, adaptable, reliable and flexible, with a responsible attitude and the ability to respond to tight deadlines.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- The ability to deal with competing priorities effectively.
- Self-motivated and good working under pressure.
- Good knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (English).
- Additional languages desirable particularly German or French as is a knowledge of UK and Northern European cities.
- Desirable - Previous experience in a UK travel industry.
Travel/ Hospitality Contracting Manager in Northfleet employer: ST Selection
Join a dynamic and expanding Travel Trade Provider in Gravesend, where you will have the opportunity to develop your commercial and negotiation skills within the UK Inbound travel industry. Our supportive work culture fosters growth and collaboration, offering you the chance to build valuable supplier relationships while enjoying a competitive salary and hybrid working options. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to high service quality, we provide a rewarding environment for those passionate about the travel sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Travel/ Hospitality Contracting Manager in Northfleet
✨Get Involved in Travel Communities
Diving into travel forums and local tourism groups can really set you apart. Join organisations like ABTA or local tourism boards, and participate in discussion groups—they're goldmines for networking and insider info on trainee opportunities!
✨Leverage Social Media
Showcase your passion for travel on social platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Share your travel stories or tips, and connect with influencers in the industry. It's a fun way to build a portfolio that attracts potential employers like ST Selection.
✨Research and Attend Travel Trade Events
Keep an eye out for travel expos and job fairs, both in-person and virtual. These events are perfect for meeting hiring managers and learning about new trainee roles. Make sure to have your elevator pitch ready!
✨Apply through Us for Direct Opportunities
Don't forget to check out our website for openings at ST Selection. Trainee roles can be competitive, so applying through us can give you an edge and ensure your application gets noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Travel/ Hospitality Contracting Manager in Northfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, it's all about enthusiasm for adventure. Make sure your cover letter connects your love for travel with why you want to work at ST Selection. Share a memorable trip or experience that shaped your perspective—this makes you relatable and likely to stand out!
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is the backbone of travel roles. Even as a trainee, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have. Mention your ability to communicate with people, resolve issues, and create enjoyable experiences. If you have any certifications in hospitality or travel-related courses, be sure to include those!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:For your CV, focus on relevant experiences that relate specifically to travel and tourism. Educate us about any roles where you've dealt with clients or showcased your planning skills. Make sure to list any travel-related coursework or projects that can demonstrate your commitment to learning in this field.
Be Open About Your Goals:As a trainee, you might not have loads of experience, but that’s okay! Use your application to express your eagerness to learn and grow in the travel industry. Talk about what excites you about this role at ST Selection and how you see it contributing to your career. Remember, we love seeing that motivation!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST Selection
✨Know Your Destinations
As a trainee in the travel and tourism industry, you'll want to brush up on popular travel destinations, including current trends and must-see spots. Be ready to chat about your favourite places and why they appeal to you—this shows your passion and knowledge about the industry!
✨Master the Customer Experience
In tourism, it's all about people! Familiarise yourself with customer service scenarios and how you would enhance a traveller's experience. Expect questions that test your empathy and ability to handle tricky situations—being able to effectively communicate and connect with customers is vital in this role.
✨Get Hands-On with Tools and Tech
Familiarity with travel booking systems and tools like GDS (Global Distribution Systems) can set you apart. Highlight any experience with online booking platforms or customer relationship management software you may have—showing that you’re adaptable to tech helps demonstrate your readiness for the fast-paced nature of this industry.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, your potential to grow is key. Be honest about what you wish to learn in this role at ST Selection, and don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions about the industry's challenges and trends. Your eagerness will show that you're invested in your future and ready to absorb everything you can from this opportunity!
