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- 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 £ 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 Michael@traveltraderecruitment.co.uk. All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.
Purchasing Manager (Accommodation and Ground Services) employer: Travel Trade Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Travel Trade Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager (Accommodation and Ground Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the travel and hospitality sectors. We all know that personal connections can open doors, so don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to show off your knowledge about their operations and how you can contribute to their success in hotel contracting and ground services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about securing the best deals, we suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager (Accommodation and Ground Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your past successes in securing great deals. Use specific examples that demonstrate your tenacity and results-driven approach. We love a good success story!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, we also value personality! Let your unique voice shine through in your application. A touch of your personal style can make you stand out from the crowd. We’re all about finding the right fit!
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. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Travel Trade Recruitment
✨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 contracts and be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated rates in the past.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
This role is all about building strong supplier relationships. Be prepared to share examples of how you've maintained and nurtured these connections in previous roles, especially within French-speaking territories.
✨Market Trends Matter
Understanding market trends is crucial for this position. Do some research on current trends in the travel and hospitality sectors, particularly in Europe, and be ready to discuss how these insights can inform purchasing strategies.
✨Communication is Key
Excellent communication skills are essential for managing stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think of examples where your communication has led to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
