Domestic Tours Operations Manager

Job Title: Domestic Tour Operations Manager                       Reports To: VP of Operations

General Overview:

The Domestic Tour Operations Manager is responsible for the preparation and implementation of all tour elements and components that are involved in the operation of domestic guided tours.

This position works closely with the Product Development director, who develops the outline of the tour itinerary and price. The tour is then relayed to the Operations Manager so that additional tour components can be added (meals, transfers, attractions etc.) and a detailed technical Itinerary can be developed for the Tour Manager (Escort) and Tour Driver(s).

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Domestic Tour Operations Managers also work closely with our Documents Coordinators and Tour Managers to create a clear and concise itinerary that is easy to understand and meets traveler needs and expectations.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Meet and/or exceed Cost of Sales and Margin goals collaboratively set with Product Development, Purchasing and Finance. Product Managers are responsible for executing tour budgets to plan and updating budgets post finalization for accurate financial planning
• Work closely with the Purchasing Team in the management of Cost of Sale for hotels, meals, motor coaches, and attractions
  • Support the Purchasing Team in obtaining the best possible value for guests through creating bids for suppliers and identifying alternative opportunities
• Work closely with the Sales team to ensure awareness of any changes in product or itinerary throughout the year
• Respond to questions, problems, and crises as they are presented from both internal sources (tour directors, reservations, sales and management) and external sources (suppliers)
• Contribute to the research, design, development, maintenance, enhancement, organization, communication, and budgeting/costing of changes to current product and new product opportunities for assigned tours/region
• Oversee and facilitate the general maintenance of each assigned tour/region including, but not limited to, frequent correspondence and follow-up with hotels, suppliers and tour directors, and crisis management
• Creation of key tour documents, including traveler evaluation forms, technical itineraries, and more
• Ensure responsive and effective acknowledgement of guest input, ideas, and concerns, including maintaining supplier relations through negotiations, routine activities, and participation in industry events where you will meet one-on-one with suppliers
• Occasional travel is required to attend industry events or to perform site visits for tours

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality discipline and/or equivalent related applicable experience
• Experience in the travel and/or hospitality industries
• Demonstrated competencies in PC literacy in a Windows based environment possessing a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to work independently and manage timelines effectively
• Excellent organizational skills are a must