Calculate existing series, groups, and packages to meet deadlines, client pricing and product expectations, as well as management requirements.
Distribute relevant information internally.
Organize training attendance and participation for additional supplier training and meetings as needed.
Negotiate and manage logistics for client trips and familiarization trips.
Timely request reports for various meetings, identifying necessary information.
Plan and execute pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, services, and events to establish and maintain relationships that fulfill individual and organizational goals.
Responsibilities: Ensure client expectations are met with the highest level of service delivered throughout the business.
Offer clients the best available prices and products.
Continuously explore creative ideas and review products offered to clients.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
Negotiate the best rates and product offerings.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with all our clients staff.
Maintain effective communication with suppliers and colleagues at all times.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CONTRACTING: Meet client and management price versus offering expectations: Provide competitive rates.
Offer value-for-money options.
Adhere to turnaround times and deadlines.
Present proposals effectively.
Understand the needs of the client's target market and develop products accordingly within a competitive landscape: Share market research insights with your direct line manager.
Assist with supplier dialogue and rate negotiations.
Product Development for client-specific brochure contracting: Gain an understanding of the markets.
Analyze the client's portfolio.
Review competitor portfolios.
Facilitate communication between Business Development and Operations/Reservations.
Negotiate series and other rates with suppliers.
Re-negotiate rates for improved margins.
Brochure/Competitor Analysis: Gather competitors' brochures and analyze them to ensure ongoing competitiveness in our specific markets.
Supplier Negotiation: Understand your specific market and the competition to ensure our agents remain competitive.
Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers to achieve these goals.
Negotiate rates and value-adding opportunities that benefit both the client and their partners. Manage the contracting process: Request series and group rates for required validity.
Set up allocation overviews.
Request allocations and find suitable alternatives where necessary.
Negotiate rates to meet client expectations and enhance profit.
Save documentation in SharePoint.
Distribute relevant information to internal stakeholders.
Handover proposals and crucial information to Operations and Reservations.
Rate Cards: Compile rate cards.
Ensure all information on rate cards is accurate, properly formatted, and forwarded to the relevant agent.
Administration of contracting: Update all product lists upon completion of contracting.
Save rate cards in L/Share.
Handover to operations.
Client Updates: Upon receiving supplier updates regarding rates, promptly update all contracts and rate cards, informing agents of new rates immediately.
ADMINISTRATION: Fully understand and adhere to all divisional procedures and policies.
FINANCIAL REPORTING: Explain variances.
Manage margins (high and low).
Address rate increases, such as year-to-year series increases.
Reconcile files.
TEAM WORK: Foster and maintain positive relationships within the team.
Proactively engage with team members.
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS: Commit to building relationships with our clients Management preferred partners.
Ensure the best rates are always negotiated and secured.
Understand supplier products.
Identify the best products.
Pursue personal development regarding destinations and products.
Actively seek new products and creative ideas.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Continuously enhance product knowledge by attending industry events, seminars, conferences, and participating in supplier workshops, educationals, and trade shows.
Stay informed about industry trends.
Attend exhibitions and trade shows as necessary.
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Meet turnaround times as per client specifications.
Documentation Management: Itinerary planning and layout.
Proficiency in Excel and Word.
Filing management.
Special skills: Time management.
Problem-solving.
Consistently exceed customer expectations.
Financial acumen.
Requirements Qualifications and Expertise: Matric/Grade 12.
Tertiary Qualification in Tourism preferred.
Knowledge and execution of Tourplan is an advantage. Strong skills in Excel and Word.
Understanding of customers' needs and products.
Ability to negotiate with suppliers for availability and rates.
Solid knowledge of the tourism industry.
Excellent geographic knowledge of South Africa and the region.
Strong product and logistical knowledge.
Strong language skills (English & Afrikaans required; German and French advantageous).
Competency: Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Attention to detail is essential.
A mature demeanor when interacting with others.
Capacity to engage with employers and workers at all levels.
Maintain confidentiality, tact, and discretion in interactions.
Excellent planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Integrity and honesty.
Good interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Strong problem-solving capabilities.
Negotiation and liaison skills.
Research abilities.
Salary: The salary for this position is competitive and based on relevant experience.
Benefits ABOUT OUR CLIENT Our client, an African company, is committed to prioritizing their people, customers, and suppliers by delivering exceptional quality, service, and value.
They aim to infuse each customer interaction with the unique essence and magic of Africa.
The ultimate goal is for our client to emerge as the leading integrated tourism group in Southern Africa, with a strong international presence in sectors where they possess a sustainable competitive advantage.
Key areas of international expertise encompass: Destination retail Global sports event management Duty-free retail on the ground Duty-free retail in the air Destination management Hotel management Lodge management Airport craft and curios retail Activity management Online corporate travel management
