Aviation Manager
Cheltenham
Hybrid & Remote considered
Competitive salary
No Agents please
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 highly commercial and experienced Aviation Manager who will be
responsible for managing all flight buying and seat management within the Specialist Journeys
Group brands, as well as those of the JG Travel Group.
You’ll be joining a great team of product and operational professionals who enjoy working
together to deliver exceptional results. We are looking for an excellent negotiator with strong
attention to detail, with at least 3 years’ experience of working within a multi branded travel
group. You must be highly organised with strong planning and organisational skills along with a
numerical and analytical mindset.
Specific accountabilities include:
- Quote and book group flights always ensuring that the budgeted amounts are met.
- Ensure internal system is updated with latest arrangements.
- Communicate with the product teams to ensure everyone is in the know on flight updates and to gather information about flight routes, times and budgets.
- Oversee the team who book bespoke ‘Extras’ for guests and tour staff to meet their specifications at an agreed cost.
- Work with the Finance team to update weekly on flight payments, such as deposits due, balances due, and ticketing deadlines.
- Monitor the flight market and react to any aviation crisis issues that may arise.
- Research flight routes and provide pricing for new programmes.
- Manage the flights team, always ensuring maximum efficiency.
- Keep up to date with airlines terms and conditions in order to manage flight allocations and manage refunds when applicable.
About You:
We’re looking for an excellent communicator who excels at maintaining and developing supplier
relationships. You will also be great at managing an experienced team of flight buyers, providing
support, guidance and direction. You’ll have a strong commercial mindset, be able to juggle
multiple priorities, and always mindful of costs/ profit.
Essential:
- Solid understanding of airline contracts and fares, including IT rates, seat only and published fares;
- Knowledge of IATA / BSP ticketing procedures;
- Competent in using CRS systems, in particular, Amadeus.
Experience of GDS would be an advantage
If you’re ready for a challenge and want to play a key role in driving real change, we’d love to
hear from you.
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/ Chief Customer & People Officer by clicking on Apply Now without delay!
