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: Make a real impact in the travel industry while working with top suppliers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in travel or hospitality, fluent in English and French.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to collaborate across departments.
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 London 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 London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the travel and hospitality sectors. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that arenβt even advertised yet.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Show us you know your stuff about hotel contracting and ground services, especially in French-speaking territories!
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable discussing rates and terms. We want to see that tenacious, results-driven approach in action.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager (Accommodation and Ground Services) in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. Itβs packed with info about what weβre looking for, so make sure you understand the role and how your experience fits in.
Tailor Your CV: Donβt just send out the same CV to everyone! Highlight your relevant experience in hotel contracting and negotiation skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so make it personal.
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail. We love candidates who can manage tight deadlines and have a results-driven approach, so let us know how youβve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: When youβre ready to apply, do it through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Travel Trade Recruitment Limited
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your negotiation skills and understanding of pricing strategies. Brush up on key metrics related to hotel contracting and be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated rates in the past.
β¨Showcase Your Relationships
Building strong relationships is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of how you've maintained supplier relationships and collaborated with service providers. Highlight any existing contacts you have in the French-speaking territories to show your network.
β¨Market Trends Matter
Be prepared to discuss current market trends in the travel and hospitality sectors. Research recent developments and think about how they could impact purchasing strategies. This shows you're proactive and informed, which is key for the role.
β¨Communication is Key
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially in both English and French. Consider how you can convey complex information simply, as this will be vital when liaising with various stakeholders.