We are seeking an experienced Travel Industry Aviation Manager to join a luxury Tour Operator in Staffordshire. The purpose of this role is to ensure all flight, transport and other logistics requirements are planned and procured in a controlled and cost-efficient manner. The role reports to the Head of Sales & Aviation and works closely with Operations and Product. You will be responsible for the day to day account management of the airline and rail portfolio.

We are looking for a commercially minded manager with excellent negotiating and strong influencing skills. This opportunity is on a hybrid working model (at least 9 times a month) and offering a fantastic salary!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Manage the day today department, workflows, priorities - forward view of workload and addresses imbalances Continuously review internal processes to drive improvements and efficiencies in line with best practice.
• Develop and motivate direct reports and the wider Aviation and Rail team
• Work closely and collaboratively with all departments with primary relationships being Capacity Management, Operations and Product. Ensuring appropriate communication with other business areas as appropriate eg Revenue, Marketing, Sales and Finance
• Evaluate available technology solutions and recommend implementation where applicable
• Accountable for ensuring we maintain and build strong relationships with airlines and other transport suppliers to assure continued standards and service
• Lead initiatives that may support and enhance our customer proposition around transport
• Responsible for administration, organisation and planning for all flights
• GDS knowledge - ideally Amadeus but will cross train
• Recommend general best practice applicable to the company in the Aviation and Rail sectors
• Evaluate available technology solutions and recommend implementation where applicable
• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines and other transport suppliers to ensure continued standards and service
• Responsible for ensuring monitoring and control of all transport costs against budget and forecasts in conjunction with the Finance/Revenue teams

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Proven experience of leading and motivating a team in a similar environment (contact centre, workflow driven etc)
• Proven experience in a Commercial Aviation role
• Strong influencing and communication skills with the ability to present and converse with senior stakeholders
• Proven technical and systems capability and experience of working with relevant industry (GDS) systems e.g. Travelport, Amadeus, Sabre - to an advanced level.
• Experience of managing relationships with 3rd party/external suppliers and stakeholders
• The ability to identify and drive improvements and efficiencies
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Experience of procurement strategies to add commercial value

THE PACKAGE:

A competitive salary of £50-£55K is available for the successful candidate and this is negotiable and dependent on experience. In addition there will be a bonus and extensive benefits package, as well as solid opportunities for career development.

INTERESTED?

Please follow the instructions to apply, attaching your CV. For further information, please contact Katy on 0121 450 9776 or email katy@traveltraderecruitment.co.uk