At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hotel contracting and negotiate rates for group travel across Europe.
- Company: Respected London-based B2B tour operator specialising in group travel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in role, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and influence purchasing strategies in the travel industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in travel or hospitality, fluent in English and French.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to collaborate across departments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
A well-established London-based B2B tour operator specialising in group travel across Europe is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager with a strong focus on hotel contracting and ground services in French-speaking territories. This role is pivotal in ensuring cost-effective, high-quality accommodation and travel services for international group clients. The successful candidate will manage supplier relationships, negotiate hotel contracts, and support the smooth delivery of complex group itineraries.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead hotel contracting and purchasing activities for group travel programmes
- Negotiate rates, allocations, and terms with hotel suppliers across Europe (predominantly French-speaking territories)
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior-level service providers
- Monitor availability, pricing, and supplier performance
- Analyse market trends to inform purchasing strategies
- Ensure purchasing activity aligns with budgets and company policies
- Maintain accurate procurement records and contracts
- Collaborate closely with operations, sales, and finance teams
- Support wider purchasing and operational needs as required
Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 5 years' experience in travel, tourism, or hospitality
- Proven negotiation experience within the hotel industry
- Existing contacts within the hotel and tourism sector
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
- Tenacious, results-driven approach with sound commercial judgement
- High level of attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Fluent in English and French (additional languages an advantage)
- Confident IT skills, including Excel and Microsoft Office
- Minimum A-levels or equivalent
Personal Attributes
- Flexible team player willing to support other departments
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Professional, proactive, and commercially minded
What's Offered
- Opportunity to join a respected and growing group travel specialist
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Key role with autonomy and influence over purchasing strategy
- Long-term career progression as the business evolves
To Apply
Please submit your CV (cover letter optional) to (url removed). All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.
Purchasing Manager (Accommodation And Ground Services) in Greenhill employer: Travel Trade Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Travel Trade Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager (Accommodation And Ground Services) in Greenhill
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the travel and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to connect with potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their purchasing strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them youβre not just another candidate!
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating hotel contracts, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform in real-life situations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager (Accommodation And Ground Services) in Greenhill
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in hotel contracting and any relevant achievements in travel or hospitality. We want to see how your skills align with what weβre looking for!
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key for this role, donβt shy away from showcasing your past successes in securing great deals. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, a touch of personality can make your application stand out. Let us see who you are beyond your qualificationsβshare your passion for travel and how it drives your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Donβt miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Travel Trade Recruitment Limited
β¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the companyβs background and its role in the travel industry. Familiarise yourself with their key services, especially around hotel contracting and ground services. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
β¨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a big part of this role, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or built strong supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling the responsibilities of the Purchasing Manager.
β¨Brush Up on Market Trends
Stay updated on current market trends in the travel and hospitality sectors, particularly in French-speaking territories. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will highlight your analytical skills and show that you can make informed purchasing decisions that align with the company's strategy.
β¨Practice Your Language Skills
As fluency in French is essential, consider practising some key phrases or industry-specific vocabulary before the interview. This will not only boost your confidence but also impress the interviewers with your commitment to effective communication in both English and French.