Operations Executive - Travel

The Specialists Journey Group is a collection of some of the world’s finest niche tour operators made up of a number of specialist brands, including Brightwater Holidays – the UK’s leading garden, scenic Scottish and special interest tour operator, Andante Travels – a leading provider of archaeological, cultural and historical holidays, and Dream Challenges a fundraising event service to UK charities.

We are looking to recruit a passionate and experienced Operations Executive to work within our Product & Operations’ team, to oversee the operational delivery of tours (including supplier management, logistics, guest requirements, documentation and tour support), alongside contributing to the development of inspiring tour itineraries. Commercial acumen alongside effective problem solving and decision making skills are hugely important in this role.

We are looking for someone with strong logistical coordination and organisational skills, as well as having a high level of attention to detail. Collaborative and customer focussed, with a drive to deliver exceptional levels of service standards, you will use your excellent communication skills to manage suppliers and resolve issues.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Take operational ownership of tours from handover through to completion, ensuring all elements are delivered smoothly and in line with company standards.
• Coordinate and confirm all operational components of tours, including accommodation, transport, site visits, special access arrangements, and supplier services.
• Manage supplier relationships on allocated tours, proactively resolving operational issues and challenging supplier-led changes to achieve the best possible outcome for guests and the business.
• Maintain accurate tour records and booking information, ensuring all operational updates, amendments, and guest requirements are clearly documented and communicated.
• Monitor tour progress and provide regular operational updates to the Operations Manager, highlighting risks, issues, booking concerns, or proposed itinerary deviations.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding room allocations, release periods, and booking amendments in line with tour demand and operational requirements.
• Ensure supplier payments, due dates, and financial commitments are accurately tracked and processed in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and communicate all guest-specific requirements, including rooming, dietary needs, travel arrangements, and additional services, ensuring these are confirmed with suppliers and tour staff.
• Communicate operational changes to internal departments, tour staff, and guests where required, ensuring expectations are managed effectively.
• Prepare, check, and distribute all guest and tour documentation within agreed timelines and company standards.
• Arrange travel and logistics for tour staff within agreed budgets and operational requirements.
• Produce detailed operational packs for Tour Staff, including schedules, booking confirmations, supplier information, and tour cash documentation.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, Health & Safety, and company operational procedures across all tour activity.
• Verify that accommodation providers and local transport suppliers meet required Health & Safety audit standards.
• Deliver pre-tour operational briefings with Tour Staff, ensuring they are fully informed of itineraries, responsibilities, and any known operational concerns prior to departure.
• Support continuous improvement of operational processes and contribute feedback on itinerary delivery and supplier performance.
• Provide operational support to the Sales & Customer Care teams during peak periods, including handling incoming calls as part of the overflow support team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward thinking business with a collection of amazing
travel brands, and be a part of an exciting growth journey.

If you feel you have the relevant experience and attributes for this role, please send your CV and letter of application along with salary expectations to Helen Moylan/ HR Director by clicking on Apply Now without delay!