At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and development of luxury long-haul travel products.
- Company: Join a reputable Tour Operator known for its competitive and innovative offerings.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, performance bonuses, and generous holiday discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values teamwork and offers opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management within a tour operator, especially in long-haul markets.
- Other info: Work near Cambridge with regular social events and community volunteering opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Established, reputable Tour Operator are seeking an experienced Head of Product (Long-Haul Destinations) to join their successful Product Department. As Head of Long-Haul Product, you will be responsible for leading the strategy, development, and performance of this luxury Tour Operator's long-haul product portfolio. You will ensure that our offerings remain competitive, innovative, and aligned with customer expectations and business goals.
This role is suited to someone who has worked for a tour operator, has previous Product Management experience in long haul markets. With a very competitive salary (negotiable) and a comprehensive benefits package, you will work on a hybrid basis; the office is near Cambridge 3 days a week.
JOB DESCRIPTION:- Ensure commercial targets, including revenue and margin, are met across all long-haul destinations.
- Review and analyse the existing product portfolio (currently Middle East, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, Australasia, North America, and Southern Africa) from both customer and commercial perspectives.
- Develop and execute a clear product strategy for all long-haul destinations moving forwards with the opportunity to look at expanding into new areas.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth and improvement or differentiation.
- Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of products, from market analysis and contracting to pricing and launch and overseeing operationally thereafter.
- Ensure product contracting levels are in line with budget aspirations and that commercial terms remain optimal, regularly reviewing third party supplier business (direct contracts, bed banks and ground handlers) to evaluate most effective buying.
- Collaborate closely with the Reservations, Pricing, Sales and Marketing Teams highlighting key destinations to focus on and monitoring subsequent sales performance.
- Oversee Customer Health & Safety compliance across all relevant products and operational areas.
- Lead and inspire a small team of Product Managers, assisting with the prioritisation of event diaries and workloads.
- Build and maintain strong senior relationships with key suppliers, tourist boards, and DMCs, travelling to key destinations as and when required.
- Represent the company at trade events and actively network within the travel industry to promote our brand and source new opportunities.
- Working closely with the Marketing Team and Partnership Marketing Manager to bring products to market and to elevate funding opportunities.
- Overseeing the design layout, format and content of all relevant brochures.
- Ensuring the Web team have the most up to date content for the long haul destination and offer pages plus monitoring long haul bookings on the single centre booking portal (once project complete).
We are seeking a Senior Product Manager / Head of Product from a Tour Operator background. You would have managed a small team of product managers and have experience of selecting and contracting product to long-haul destinations.
PACKAGE:- Very competitive salary.
- Hybrid working - 3 days office, 2 days remote - Cambridge.
- Hours are 37.5 per week from Monday to Friday from 9am-5.30pm.
- Performance related bonus.
- Annual company profit share bonus.
- Great discounts on your own holidays (plus generous friends and family discounts).
- 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays.
- Standard Life Pension with enhanced employer contribution.
- Regular social events: Summer Party, Christmas Party, Quiz nights, brochure launches and a social fund to spend on team building events.
- Free onsite parking.
- Annual Volunteer in your Community Day.
INTERESTED? Please follow the instructions to apply attaching your CV. This vacancy is being managed by Katy Gaskell. I can be contacted on 0121 4509776 or katy@traveltraderecruitment.co.uk. Not right for this role, or this role not right for you, but keen to further your career in the Travel Industry? We have a variety of different opportunities so do submit your CV to us! Unfortunately if you are unsuccessful, due to our volume of applications, we are unable to reply to everyone individually.
Contact Detail:
Travel Trade Recruitment Recruiting Team
katy@traveltraderecruitment.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Product
β¨Tip Number 1
Network within the travel industry by attending trade events and conferences. This will not only help you build relationships with key suppliers and DMCs but also give you insights into market trends and competitor activities that are crucial for the Head of Product role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific long-haul destinations mentioned in the job description. Understanding the nuances of these markets will allow you to speak confidently about product strategies and innovations during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlighting your experience in guiding product managers will show that you're ready to inspire and lead a small team effectively.
β¨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on customer feedback and market analysis tools. Being able to discuss how you've used data to drive product decisions will set you apart as a candidate who can ensure the offerings remain competitive and aligned with customer expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product management, particularly in long-haul destinations. Emphasise any leadership roles and specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the travel industry and your understanding of the luxury tour operator market. Mention how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role and how you can contribute to the company's success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for the Head of Product role, such as strategic thinking, market analysis, team leadership, and supplier relationship management. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills.
Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of current market trends and competitor activities in the long-haul travel sector. This could be through mentioning specific destinations or trends that you believe the company should consider in their product strategy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Travel Trade Recruitment
β¨Know Your Product Portfolio
Familiarise yourself with the company's long-haul product offerings. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance or innovate these products based on market trends and customer feedback.
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Product, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to inspire and prioritise workloads effectively.
β¨Understand Market Dynamics
Research current market trends and competitor activities in the travel industry. Be ready to discuss how you would leverage this information to identify growth opportunities for the company.
β¨Showcase Your Networking Abilities
Highlight your experience in building relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Discuss how you would represent the company at trade events and use networking to promote the brand and source new opportunities.