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JOB TITLE: Regional Field Lead - Europe
DATE: open
REPORTS TO: Regional Director(s) TBD

LOCATION: The preferred location is in Utrecht. European Operational Hubs (Pernes, Tuscany, Croatia, Czech) or within the assigned region is an option and remote locations may be considered for highly qualified candidates and business need as determined by the ET member in partnership with other key stakeholders.

LENGTH OF SEASON: Full time / year round

REGIONS COVERED: Regions are still being finalized - likely northern Europe

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Regional Field Lead is a Trip Development (TD) role responsible for meeting critical company deliverables as they relate to TD, including but not limited to coordination and mentorship of TE’s, overseeing trip logistics, maintaining vendor relations, sub-contractor relationships, ensuring Ascent updates are timely and accurate, and reviewing associated trip materials. RL’s primary focus is trip quality and operational oversight of their regions, supporting Regional Directors on trip quality and accuracy, hotel service agreements, crisis management, scheduling, custom/private trips and new trip development. RLs work closely with Regional Directors and Trip Experts to successfully manage trip and regional logistics for a designated segment of trips. RLs are a vital link between the office and field and across departments, working within Trip Development and partnering closely with the Leader Development and Operations teams. A high degree of organization, attention to detail, self-motivation, creativity, coordination and leadership is required to carry out the responsibilities of this position along with a focus on timely execution of defined processes.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise Trip Experts in critical quality decisions, timely execution of Ascent updates, and delivery of all TD guest and leader-facing materials. 
• Mentor Trip Experts including providing feedback, mentoring performance, completing Mid-Season Check Ins and End of Season Reviews.
• Host village meetings to help connect field staff to company, provide informational tips, and foster good morale.
• Expected to lead 1-3 trips during seasonality, as agreed upon by your RD(s)
• Serve as vital communication link between field and office. Keep up with company and departmental communication – transmit/translate/reiterate for Field Staff as needed.
• Recruit, review applications, and make hiring recommendations for Field Experts, with a focus on TE applicants
• Onboard and train new TEs in region
• Provide real time crisis management for on-trip issues including supporting the weekend on-call team
• Provide high-level support for Field Staff in the region, with LD Managers and LDLs.
• Proactively look for ways to improve trip quality. Review and respond to guest, leader and staff feedback.  Provide feedback and ideas to RD(s). Plan, create and update all aspects of trip quality and design, including research and presearch, for designated trips by mentoring and working closely with Trip Experts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure smooth operations. Foster positive community relations including in National Parks where applicable.
• Help provide hotel and activity solutions for desired trip capacity, working closely with RD and hotels team.
• Respond in a timely manner to private trip requests if needed. Work closely with Private Trips Team, researchers, and all partners to ensure the best possible experience for guests.
• Provide guidance to the Scheduling Team on Trip Expert Schedules

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  

• Experience in Trip Development or prior Trip Expert or Market Expert experience required.
• Extensive Trip Leading experience preferred and understanding of Backroads’ service ethic.
• Strong understanding of TE Program
• Experience in Leadership Development as a mentor is strongly preferred
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including proven feedback skills via FTR feedback on trips and with co-leaders
• Analytical skills preferred but not required
• Ability to multi-task and handle a multitude of details associated with trip planning; meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong relationship coordination and problem-solving skills
• Cost management abilities
• Systems and database skills 
• Understanding the connection from office to trip to leader to guest, and ensuring quality at every step is paramount
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, & Word
• Excellent verbal communication skills including training and speaking in front of groups
• Understanding local language is a plus

ELIGIBILITY, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Compensation is determined according to the candidate's experience and qualifications. Pay rates may differ depending on work location, with individuals located in designated hubs or within the operations area potentially qualifying for higher compensation compared to those in fully remote positions.
• Backroads will cover vehicle, accommodation and food costs for business purposes when conducting field visits or traveling for work. You are responsible for providing your own housing, vehicle, and food when working from your base.
• Regions are subject to change from season to season based on growth and demand.
• The position is open to all nationalities, subject to visa approval or existing European work authorization.
• Applicants and employees are responsible for understanding and complying with any personal tax, social insurance, and reporting obligations associated with their work location. Backroads does not provide individual tax advice and encourages candidates to consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific circumstances. 

Netherlands Details:

Benefits:

• If you are hired to work in the Utrecht hub, as preferred, you will be provided with paid time off in accordance with Dutch standards.
• You will be eligible to contribute to a Dutch Pension Plan. Backroads will provide matching on a portion of your contributions.
• If you are hired outside the Netherlands, your payroll and benefits will be administered according to the country where you reside.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

• Please apply via Workday, including a cover letter explaining why you are interested and your qualifications as well as your resume
• Reach out to Daysha Lichty or Kate Tribuzio with questions
• Application deadline is rolling, Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.