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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a niche tour operator, driving growth and enhancing customer experiences.
- Company: A well-established specialist tour operator known for premium, themed small-group tours.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and long-term incentives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel with autonomy and creativity in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience with a commercial mindset and strong financial literacy.
- Other info: Experience in travel or cultural sectors is a plus, but passion for the role is key.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 95000 £ per year.
Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid working)
Salary: £65,000 – £95,000 + Performance Bonus + Potential Long-Term Incentives
Are you a commercially driven, culturally curious leader with a passion for travel and customer experience? We’re searching for an ambitious Managing Director to lead a well-established, niche tour operator offering premium, themed small-group tours to discerning global clientele. With strong foundations, a loyal customer base, and exciting growth opportunities on the horizon, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a business known for delivering high-quality, immersive travel experiences.
The Opportunity
- Drive business growth through the development of new themes (e.g. art, music, geology) alongside established historical and cultural itineraries
- Explore bespoke travel opportunities and strengthen relationships with UK/US institutional partners
- Expand international markets and enhance client acquisition strategies
- Lead, inspire, and optimise a small but dedicated team
- Oversee operations, product, marketing, customer service, and finance functions
- Champion service quality, ensuring consistently high feedback from clients
- Introduce operational efficiencies and explore tech/AI tools to support scale
You’ll Be a Great Fit If You:
- Are a proven senior leader (Director, Managing Director, General Manager, Sales Manager (or similar) with SME or service-led experience
- Thrive in a hands-on environment and naturally build trust with your team
- Can manage high expectations and service delivery for high-net-worth customers (avg. trip value £3.5k+)
- Bring a commercial mindset and are confident building strategic growth plans from the ground up
- Have strong financial literacy (P&L, forecasting, budgeting)
- Are energised by building lasting customer relationships and expanding brand reach
- Experience in the travel or education/cultural sector is desirable but not essential if you share the company's values and vision.
Why Join?
- Shape the future of a unique travel business with a premium customer base
- Opportunity to lead with autonomy, creativity, and strategic influence
- Supportive environment with scope for long-term personal and professional growth
- Hybrid working with regular access to a Basingstoke HQ
Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator employer: Tiro Partners Limited
Contact Detail:
Tiro Partners Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the travel industry by attending relevant conferences and events. This will help you connect with potential partners and gain insights into market trends, which can be beneficial for your role as Managing Director.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest technology and AI tools that can enhance operational efficiency in the travel sector. Being knowledgeable about these innovations will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing themes and customer feedback. Understanding their current offerings will allow you to propose innovative ideas that align with their brand and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing high-net-worth clients and how you've successfully built lasting relationships. Highlighting your ability to meet high expectations will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leadership roles, particularly in the travel or service sectors. Emphasise your achievements in driving business growth and managing high-net-worth clients.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for travel and customer experience. Discuss how your vision aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their growth and success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as financial literacy, strategic planning, and team leadership. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Cultural Curiosity: Demonstrate your cultural curiosity and understanding of niche travel markets. Mention any relevant experiences or insights that could help the company expand its offerings and enhance client relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tiro Partners Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Travel
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for travel and customer experience during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for exploring new cultures and how this passion can translate into leading a niche tour operator.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to inspiring and optimising team performance, especially in high-pressure environments, as this role requires strong leadership to manage expectations and service delivery.
✨Highlight Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your financial literacy, including P&L management, forecasting, and budgeting. Provide specific examples of how you've used these skills to drive business growth or improve operational efficiencies in previous roles.
✨Discuss Strategic Growth Plans
Think about potential themes or markets you could explore for the company. Present your ideas on how to expand client acquisition strategies and enhance brand reach, demonstrating your commercial mindset and ability to build strategic plans from the ground up.
