Job Description

Come and join one of the world's leading luxury travel brands

Abercrombie & Kent is the world's leading luxury travel business and has been a pioneer of experiential luxury travel since 1962. Founded as a luxury safari company in Africa, A&K today employs more than 3000 staff in over 70 offices in more than 83 countries. The company specialises in private, tailor-made and flexible small group travel to every corner of the globe and has a wholly owned portfolio of cruise boats, luxury lodges, tented camps, hotels, and all-terrain vehicles. As part of its global commitment, Abercrombie & Kent is committed to responsible and ethical tourism and through A&K Philanthropy supports projects in the communities where its guests travel dedicated to positively impacting lives and livelihoods.

The role

We are seeking a candidate with in-depth experience in the luxury travel market to take on responsibility for leading the development, financial performance and operational delivery of tour series programs across the business. The role owns the end-to-end planning and management of tour series operations, ensuring programs are commercially viable, operationally effective and aligned with client and market expectations.

This position leads a team and works closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive business growth, maintain service excellence and deliver successful client outcomes. The role also contributes to product selection and development, continuous improvement initiatives and organisational change to support the evolving needs of the business.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee operational requirements associated with tour series programs, including inventory management, flight arrangements, tour staffing, guest documentation and tour enhancements, ensuring all elements are delivered accurately
• Monitor tour operations and proactively manage changes, risks and service delivery challenges to minimise disruption and maintain client satisfaction.
• Prepare and manage quotations for new and existing third-party tour series opportunities, ensuring accurate pricing, operational feasibility and effective client outcomes.
• Lead the tour series product selection in consultation with internal and external stakeholders providing operational and commercial input to ensure programs are commercially viable, operationally achievable and aligned with client expectations.
• Ensure accurate preparation and maintenance of tour costings and brochure copy information to support profitable tour operations and client expectations.
• Lead the planning, coordination and successful delivery of tour series programs from inception through to completion.
• Act as a primary point of contact for tour series operational matters, ensuring effective communication and timely issue resolution.
• Manage a team working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of escalation support for emergency phone on Tour Series files.

Other responsibilities:

• Participate in the Weekend Duty emergency phone on a rostered basis

The successful applicant will have:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in the travel industry, including experience in a leadership or management capacity.
• Previous experience working for an Inbound Tour Operator in a groups capacity
• Demonstrated success in managing supplier relationships, negotiating and contracting
• Proven experience developing and implementing group tour series programs for both existing and new clients.
• Strong product knowledge of Australia and New Zealand.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and managing group tour costings
• High level attention to detail
• Team player with an enthusiastic approach to the job
• Excellent communications skills – both written & verbal
• Strong financial acumen
• Ability to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience managing or mentoring team members.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to positively support change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)
• Previous GDS (Amadeus preferred) will be highly regarded
• Travel Industry Wholesale Reservations Systems will be highly regarded

Other Information

• Up to 2 weeks travel may be required to participate in familiarisation trips.
• Some out of hours work will be required (to attend training, product sessions, events, manage emergency phone calls)

Why work for A&K?

Our valued team of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand each share a passion for making travel dreams a reality. These enthusiastic individuals come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

What you can expect with A&K

• Flexible and inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to expand their skill set, take on challenges and contribute positively to our collective team.
• Supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K
• Investment in our staff with both in-house and external training opportunities
• Opportunity to progress your career, not just in Australia but as part of our global business
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Work in the enviable CBD office location
• Opportunity to work from home as part of our hybrid working from home/office model
• Paid Parental leave and extra Wellbeing leave
• Monthly birthday celebrations and other team activities
• Staff discounts and Travel Benefit program
• An organisation that is mindful of the environment, conscious of waste and seeks to minimise our eco-footprint.

We're also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has proudly supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years.

If you meet the selection criteria and have appropriate work right, we would love to hear from you. To apply please send your resume and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

EEO Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.