Travel Centre Manager - Shoprite Group

The purpose of the Travel Centre Manager is to manage a travel centre's end-to-end process value chain. Your responsibilities include the daily operational management of the centre, sales targets and development, staffing, and financial management improving the overall Travel Centre business performance. The Travel Centre Manager ensures the Centre delivers specialist, professional travel advice and offers a good range of competitive travel products to meet the demands of the customer. This will usually include an online booking service and tailor-made trips.

Job Objectives

• Develop, and implement the Travel Centre business plan and align deliverables against the budget, and performance measures.
• Ensure all the Centre processes are properly managed and ensure continuous improvement across the business.
• Publicise the centre's services and implement marketing strategies to raise the profile of the services, increase sales, and generate more income.
• Control and monitor the centre's budget to make sure targets are met most cost-effectively.
• Gather information on, and work with, airlines, bus companies, and accommodation establishments to grow the business.

• Ensure that staff are kept informed of changes in airlines and bus companies, policies, destinations and offerings.
• Prepare reports for senior management and attend management meetings providing input on the efficient running of the business.
• Source products and services to meet consumer demands for customised travel and sustainable services.
• Manage key accounts with customers who make use of the service offering.
• Ensure that staff and other stakeholders are properly organised and equipped to answer all customer enquiries and needs.
• Drive continuous improvement by partnering and liaising with travel partners, including airlines and bus companies, to manage bookings and schedules, in advance.
• Deal with customer inquiries and aim to meet their expectations by implementing alternative and innovative ideas for achieving new business.
• Establish a relationship and network with the business leaders in stores thorough understanding of traveling industry and best practice sharing.
• Ensure the travel centre’s compliance with organisational and legislative governance frameworks and standards.

Qualifications

• Degree/ National Diploma / N4 or equivalent in travel & tourism - (essential).
• Degree Business/marketing/financial management or equivalent - (beneficial).
• Accredited with IATA certification - (beneficial).

Experience

• 4+ years of managerial and travel-related experience - (essential).
• 3+ years in sales and the customer-service environment – (essential).
• Solid experience with GDS & BSP - (essential).
• Experience within the FMCG, retail sector, or similar - (preferred).

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrable knowledge of Travel Centre practices within the FMCG, retail sector, understanding of the principles of sales/service capacity planning and optimised forecasting in the retail environment - (beneficial).