Team Leader (DMC/Safari/Travel)

Our client continuously excels in arranging all aspects of destination management services in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. Their source markets have grown continuously and now include Europe, Asia, South and North America.

 

Role Overview

Successfully support the management of a team of Destination Specialists. Lead the team to operationalise agent requests seamlessly and continuously improve service standards. Successfully quote and operationalize profitable tour products for existing as well as new clients.

 

Job Type: Full Time/Permanent

Location: Namibia

Work Place: Hybrid

 

Requirements:

• Proven leadership or team management experience within a Destination Management Company (DMC) or Safari/Inbound Travel environment.
• Strong hands-on experience in quoting, itinerary design, costing, and supplier negotiation for group travel, tour series, and FITs across Southern and East Africa.
• Solid working knowledge of Tourplan or a similar travel booking system.
• Excellent understanding of African travel destinations, logistics, and supplier networks (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and support a team of Destination Specialists to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with both agents and suppliers.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally for educational trips, supplier meetings, and hosting agents.

 

Responsibilities:

Sales

• Effectively cost products
• Understand the market and margin control
• Build up and maintain agent / supplier relationships
• Source new products if and when required
• Develop in cooperation with General Manager business and product strategy to secure additional business from agents
• Work closely with the team to achieve goals

Operations

• Quote and design successful, creative itineraries and proposals
• Capture and confirm bookings in Tourplan
• Negotiate with suppliers for better rates, cancellation policies, FOCs, value adds etc.
• Find new suppliers that offer a good/better service and better rates
• Continuously and proactively monitor client feedback and improve operational processes
• Follow up on own quotes as well as assist in monitoring the teams quote overview
• Successfully run groups / series bookings
• Handling the 24hour emergency phone
• Prepare guide documentation and brief guide before travel date
• Work closely with tour guides whilst on tour
• Utilise expertise to improve in conjunction with GM the teams operational excellence
• Pass on Tourplan knowledge to the team via training/coaching sessions

Product

• Ensure the team is up to date with regards to new product, product development, news and changes relevant to the groups team
• Support groups and procurement in a seamless process from negotiating to loading rates in Tourplan

Financial

• Reconcile supplier invoices for processing
• Assist debtors clerk with invoicing / collection queries
• Reconcile tour guide expense sheets on completion of tours / check guide salary invoices.

Additional responsibilities:

• Participate in supplier training and workshops
• Reduce the transaction turnaround time
• Demonstrate good communication skills and customer care
• Stay current on events and changes of suppliers / product
• Travel on educational and familiarisations trips, including hosting agents at times

Sundry Areas:

It is expected of all employees to perform not only task mentioned in the job description, but also direct allocated or extraordinary tasks that could arise.

 

Benefits

• Medical Aid
• Life Insurance
• Death & Disability insurance
• Funeral Cover
• Hybrid office environment with flexible work hours
• Study Leave available for relevant business-related studies
• Financial assistance for your studies (after min. one year of working with us)
• Long-service award bonus