Operations Manager (Arts Travel)

Come and join a leading specialist cultural travel operator. ArtsAbroad organises high-level cultural tours for supporters of leading visual and performing arts institutions and high-level special interest groups to destinations around the globe. We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager and Tour Leader, with a sunny disposition and a natural ability to communicate. The role would suit somebody with a background in the arts, travel and / or events. The job requires very strong organisational skills and excellent written English (fluency). A working knowledge of additional European languages would be an advantage.

ArtsAbroad works with museums and galleries, opera and dance companies and other cultural institutions to arrange carefully structured travel programmes for high-level patron, benefactor and supporter groups. All of our travel programmes are bespoke and are entirely relevant to the institution they are designed for. We work closely with our clients to ensure that each trip offers valuable insights, high-level curatorial input and privileged access to private collections, magnificent homes and historic sites, as well as behind-the-scenes and after-hours access to museums and galleries.

The role will include office-based tour planning, as well as leading client relationships, international travel and tour-leading. Candidates must have the flexibility to travel for several weeks throughout the year.

Responsibilities will include:

Tour Planning:

• Responsibility for managing relationships with specific clients
• Designing, planning and costing tours
• Overseeing the operations for selected tours, including occasionally liaising with airlines, hotels, restaurants and venues visited (e.g. museums and galleries, opera houses, concert venues, private collections and gardens)
• Overseeing tour finances
• Helping manage the office team
• Training new employees
• Sourcing suppliers for tours and negotiating contracts
• Researching and writing text for tour brochures
• Designing marketing brochures, specifically using Adobe InDesign (training provided)
• Proofreading

Tour Leading:

• Dealing with complex itineraries
• Overseeing daily logistics
• Liaising with expert lecturers and local guides
• Having the ability to cope calmly and efficiently at all times
• Being responsible for the welfare of the group

Required experience & skills:

• Several years of experience at management level in a relevant role
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with clients
• English as a mother tongue or total proficiency in both spoken and written English
• The ability to deal with complex itineraries and multitask
• The ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
• Strong decision-making skills, particularly under pressure
• Impeccable attention to detail (this is essential)
• Excellent communication skills
• Good judgement and initiative
• Highly organised and adaptable
• A good team player, willing to go the extra mile to support colleagues
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• An interest in the arts
• A passion for travel and a curiosity about different destinations and cultures

Desired experience & skills:

• Proficient knowledge (spoken and written) of at least one other European language
• A good working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign)
• Confident Mac user
• Prior experience of tour leading

Salary and benefits:

• Salary range £45,000+ (depending on experience)
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Pension contribution 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), plus the time between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed
• Birthday off
• Quarterly company-funded ‘Cultural Afternoon’
• Worldwide travel insurance for all employees for both work and personal travel
• There is opportunity for this role to be more senior and with a higher level of remuneration, depending on the candidate’s experience

HOW TO APPLY:

Please apply using the link below or send your CV and covering letter directly by an email via the button below.