Transportation Contract Manager

Company Introduction
WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning. Founded in 1967, the company provides middle school travel programs and now serves more than half a million students annually in over 100 countries. Our offerings span educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service‑learning, study abroad, and sports, helping students see beyond the classroom and discover new perspectives.

Job Description

WorldStrides is looking for an experienced multilingual Transport Contract Manager to join our UK team and drive contracting and operational excellence across our land programmes in Italy and France. In this fast‑paced role you’ll build and maintain relationships with transport suppliers, negotiate competitive rates and commercial terms, and implement a supplier strategy that delivers value, safety, and service quality. You’ll work closely with operations, providing guidance and hands‑on support to ensure seamless delivery across all transport operations and occasionally travel through Europe.

Responsibilities

• Drive and develop sourcing plans based on business and department needs, leading commercial negotiations and managing high‑value contracts.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships and performance, consistently enhancing commercial value.
• Allocate, book, and ensure efficient tour runs from an operations perspective.
• Identify new suppliers and develop new products.
• Support groups and tour directors during tours, handling customer‑care or emergency issues as needed.
• Provide contract information and prices for all components; enter contract prices into the system.
• Process and pay supplier invoices.
• Work with suppliers to improve operation efficiency and system utilisation.
• Report to the Director on contracted costs versus budget, overseeing operational expenses within the region.
• Visit suppliers per guidelines and travel budgets, carrying out safety and security checks.
• Participate in preparing and presenting European land budgets, including executive briefings.
• Manage booking requirements: track assigned group space and special requirements, notifying any changes.
• Prepare and participate in tour development and changes meetings.
• Collect and log competitor and market information for the area.
• Manage the yield for all groups, tracking space requirements, managing hotels, and ensuring accurate allocation in the system.
• Allocate services with suppliers, ensuring a balance of price and quality in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Solid international buying, procurement, and purchasing knowledge and experience.
• Fluent in Italian and/or French (required).
• Good geographical knowledge of Europe and a passion for showcasing the region to international travelers.
• Work experience in tourism or related field with overseas exposure preferred.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for collaborating with all levels of employees.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and budget constraints.
• Proficient in computer applications and quick to learn new software.
• Willingness to travel to assigned regions when required.
• Strong negotiation and budget management skills.
• Ability to multitask projects and responsibilities, prioritising effectively.
• A bachelor’s degree.

Equal Opportunity Statement

WorldStrides is committed to building a diverse workforce through an inclusive environment that promotes belonging. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. WorldStrides will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not sponsor visas.