Tour Operations Specialist - IC

Collette is seeking a Tour Operations Specialist for the Tour Development and Delivery Team. The ideal candidate must reside in Spain or Portugal. This is an Independent Contractor position.

About Collette: Let Us Show You the World

There has never been a better time to be in the travel industry. See the world, connect with others, and experience the immersive benefits of one of the trendiest industries when you join the Collette team! As the longest-running tour operator in North America, our family-owned business leads the industry in innovation and expertise. Collette’s passionate team works hard to fulfill travel dreams and is always looking for talent that will help to shape the company’s future. Being part of the Collette team means having a willingness to grow, a desire to learn and ask questions, and a zest for seeing the world. From giving back to local communities to creating incredible experiences for a world of travelers and being part of a value-oriented team that cares for one another – Collette is all about the people. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey starts here. 

Job Summary:

The Tour Operations Specialist is responsible for executing and maintaining operational accuracy and vendor management for all tour components within an assigned territory. Handles all aspects of key line items within the operations systems from end to end. This position has ownership of vendor, departure specific, updates and confirmations for assigned territory as well as supporting secure space and chase bids. Meets regularly with Tour Operations Managers, Designers and Buyers to provide status on pending items and make relevant updates within the operating systems. Key functions of the role align to company’s Excellence and Revenue goals.

Primary Functions: 

• Builds a strong relationship with vendors through clear and consistent communication to confirm and update tour components, vendor status and subsequently records confirmations within the operations systems. 
• Attends regional meetings to support operational consistency of vendor services with established tour itinerary and identifies key operational needs as well as tour deviations.
• Works across multiple company departments to ensure tour components are accurate and consistent throughout all channels, ensuring overall tour integrity for optimal traveler satisfaction. 
• Drives communication with tour managers, buyers, product managers, and designers regarding vendor hot issues. 
• Supports Product Manager to troubleshoot and address vendor issues raised by Tour Managers for assigned region.
• Supports the creation and maintenance of various tour documents
• Support Regional Team in finding back up options as needed based on vendor denials. 
• Supports ongoing vendor communication and service status; monitors and attends to inquiries and issues (i.e. confirmations, questions, issues, requests for information, invoices, complaints).
• Builds non-required line items into the operational systems to include assigning services, creating suppliers, contract management, creating layout items and date assignments for side rsv tour components, ad hoc. 
• Assists with builds and audits of side rsv tour components within assigned region with a high level of accuracy.
• Assists with maintenance and changes of tour components in the operations systems as needed.
• Supports securing tickets for operational elements of the tour that require pre-purchase, as needed. 
• Partners with regional team to support FAMs and add dates processes, as assigned. 
• Assists with Tour Change side rsv build updates and vendor messaging with flawless accuracy, as needed 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in scheduling, logistics, supply chain, inventory, or working within inventory or ERP systems a plus.
• High level of initiative, analytical thinking and problem solving required.  
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment efficiently and accurately.
• High level of initiative and ownership in decision making.
• Possess a proactive, positive, and professional approach and demeanor to their work.
• Collaborate well with others and foster a cooperative work environment.
• Must be flexible to an ever-changing travel industry and educated in current events worldwide. 
• Ability to effectively create and communicate through all means of communication to all stakeholders.
• Must possess a high level of technical ability to work within proprietary inventory management/operations system.
• Proficient in MS Office.