Chief Operating Officer - Travel Agency

Position Overview :

- As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) , you will be responsible for overseeing the company's commercial and operational functions and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery, efficiency, and profitability.

- Your primary objective will be to enhance our position as a leader in experiential travel by expanding our offerings, optimizing operations, and fostering a culture of innovation and exceptional customer service.

- Reporting to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in driving strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and growth within the luxury travel sector.

Key Responsibilities :

Business Development :

- Drive business growth through strategic partnerships, innovative product development, and market expansion initiatives.

- Oversee and manage performance of the sales teams to achieve the sales objectives of the organisation.

- Foster relationships with key stakeholders.

- Negotiate and finalize agreements with strategic partners and vendors.

Strategic Operations Management :

- Develop and implement strategic plans and operational policies aligned with the company's mission and vision.

- Drive business growth and expansion strategies while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and profitability.

- Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Operational Oversight :

- Provide leadership and direction to all operational departments.

- Optimize internal processes and systems to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve overall operational performance.

- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to luxury travel.

Customer Experience and Service Excellence:

- Champion a customer-centric culture focused on delivering exceptional service and personalized experiences to our guests.

- Implement strategies to continuously enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

- Monitor and improve service quality and customer feedback metrics.

Financial Management and Budget Oversight:

- Manage financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to achieve financial targets and objectives.

- Monitor financial performance metrics and implement cost-control measures where necessary.

- Drive revenue growth initiatives and profitability through strategic pricing, product offerings, and operational efficiencies.

Team Leadership and Development:

- Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

- Develop talent within the organization through coaching, training programs, and career development opportunities.

- Build strong cross-functional relationships and promote effective communication across departments.

Risk Management and Compliance:

- Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring business continuity and adherence to regulatory requirements.

- Implement robust compliance frameworks and internal controls to safeguard company assets and reputation.

- Stay abreast of industry regulations and best practices to proactively address potential challenges or issues.

Qualifications:

- At least a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Tourism / Hospitality Management, or a related field.

- Proven experience (10+ years) in a leadership role within the luxury travel, hospitality, or related industries.

- Strong strategic planning and analytical skills, with a track record of driving operational excellence and business growth.

- Excellent leadership and decision-making abilities, with a focus on fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

- Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and revenue optimization strategies in a luxury service environment.

Personal Attributes:

- Must have a passion for luxury travel and committed to delivering extraordinary experiences to guests.

- Ability to anticipate market trends and capitalize on opportunities for growth and innovation.

- Results-driven and performance-oriented, with a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes and exceeding targets.

- Ethical and transparent leadership style, with a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

- Well travelled across the world, with a focus on delivering experiential products.

Benefits:

- Competitive compensation package, including a performance linked financial incentive.

- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a dynamic and prestigious industry.

- The chance to be a part of a world class company and shape the future of luxury travel experiences with a market leader.