The Team Leader: MICE & Project Specialist plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing leisure travel projects, particularly related to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
The primary responsibilities include utilizing quoting systems, developing products, managing bookings, maintaining communication with clients, and ensuring the smooth operation of tours while keeping budgets in check.
This role demands sound geographical knowledge of Southern and East Africa, as well as the ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and exceptional service levels.
Key Responsibilities Understand and operate quoting systems and other travel-related programs effectively.
Demonstrate good product knowledge and sound geographical knowledge of Southern and East Africa.
Utilize time management skills to prioritize, plan, and meet deadlines.
Communicate effectively with internal teams and external clients.
Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service at all times.
Handle high-pressure situations and volume through multitasking abilities.
Perform emergency phone duty as required.
Compile various quotations for agents and assist in product development.
Negotiate rates when possible and ensure they are loaded into the operating system.
Engage with preferred suppliers and conduct visits to familiarize with their products.
Manage provisional bookings and ensure accuracy in documentation.
Create suitable layouts, text templates, and budget templates for MICE offers.
Identify and propose unique MICE experiences in Southern Africa.
Provide on-ground assistance when MICE projects are running.
Run all tour aspects within the allocated budget.
Produce guide manuals and ensure smooth tour operations.
Verify that agent's information and tour details correspond accurately.
Assist in handling complaints by gathering feedback from relevant parties.
Support management and training of junior consultants.
Constantly seek new venues and activities, advising the team as necessary.
Take responsibility for all aspects of tours conducted.
Complete necessary administrative tasks for the Accounts department.
Meet specified targets and undertake other reasonable work-related assignments.
Create invoices for agents and track payment status for tours.
Proofread marketing materials created by agents for tour promotion.
Double-check and confirm guides booked for each tour.
Request sales updates from agents, final booking numbers, and ensure all tour information is complete.
Managing tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Balancing multiple tour projects concurrently while keeping within budget.
Addressing and resolving complaints effectively to maintain customer satisfaction.
Qualifications and Skills Proven experience in MICE and project management within the leisure travel sector.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Knowledge of travel-related quoting systems and software.
Ability to handle pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong product knowledge and geographical expertise in Southern and East Africa.
Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement creative travel solutions.
Proficient in creating budgets, offers, and assorted documentation.
Experience in training and mentoring junior team members.
Attention to detail for documentation, invoicing, and marketing materials.
A proactive approach to identifying unique experiences and new suppliers.
Strong analytical skills to assess tour performance and client needs.
Ability to travel as required to inspect venues and suppliers.
Familiarity with administrative functions and account tracking for tours.