Implement development and operations strategies for Group and FIT products across all regions. Manage Product teams, whose primary function is to create and deliver competitive products that support the company’s sales and product line expansion objectives. Establish and maintain inter-department work processes and external communications with Destination Management Companies (DMCs).
Directly responsible for meeting the company's product-related goals and objectives, including but not limited to, product development, product delivery, cost-of-goods, supplier relations, speed-to-market, and guest satisfaction.
Responsibilities include:
• Successfully lead product team to ensure timely development and release of Group and FIT products to market
• Institute and monitor departmental practices and systems for improved efficiencies and continued high level of service
• Implement and assure department efficiencies, control overheads, and ensure department profit & loss targets are met
• Develop policies and procedures to enhance product operation and business growth
• Create and manage annual product development timelines, ensuring Product Managers successfully deliver products within deadlines
• Provide effective direction for competitive negotiations and product pricing; for timely delivery of sale pricing and product information to the sales and marketing teams
• Ensure all Group and FIT products meet or exceed established and/or evolving product standards
• Collaborate regularly with leaders of other Product areas to ensure alignment with regard to product development & supplier relations
• Provide effective direction to Inventory Control team to ensure timely production of reports, analysis of potential problem areas and recommendation on action to be taken to ensure maximum profitability on all tours.
• Work closely with Sales Management team to optimise sales and margins through careful inventory control and communication on pertinent inventory matters.
• Collaborate with marketing department on the development of effective promotional activities and initiatives to encourage sales and support partnerships
• Maintain broad and deep understanding of the competitive landscape on an on-going basis, and lead periodic internal cross-functional understanding and awareness
• Coordinate and foster communication and product training and information between product, sales and marketing departments
• Lead Product Managers on implementing product operating efficiencies and achieving Consistent Quality of Delivery (CQD) goals
• Manage bi-weekly product quality audits and reviews
• Foster relationships with DMC’s, hoteliers, tourist offices and other suppliers to enhance product knowledge within departments; assure effective training and in depth product knowledge of the product management teams
• Ensure product development teams collaborate with DMC’s, hoteliers, tourist offices and other suppliers to develop strategic working relationships and to create innovative new product that will keep the company on the cutting edge
• Coordinate annual and periodic conferences between the Product team and DMC’s
• Lead Product Managers on training, employee development, and staff motivation
• Conduct employee performance evaluations
• Review staffing requirements and ensure appropriate staffing levels, coordinate with Human Resources to minimize staff turnover.
General Requirements:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organization skills with demonstrated initiative
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Be detail-oriented
• Able to perform well under pressure in fast-paced environment and meet required deadlines
• Flexibility and have a positive attitude
• Able to easily adapt to new and changing procedures
Technical/Skill Requirements:
• Proficient in basic computer operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite applications
• Strong mathematic aptitude
• Sound knowledge of geography
• Thorough understanding of itinerary constructions, costing procedures
• Experienced in product pricing and margin analysis
Management
• Possess demonstrated leadership skills
• Possess exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, critical thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Able to interact with employees at all levels within the organization
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 10-15 years relevant travel industry experience
• Extensive knowledge of business and industry practices
• In-depth knowledge of and experience in tour planning and pricing, contracting and yield management
• Previous staff management required
Special Requirements
• Travel as needed to attend meetings/conferences and conduct product research
• Available to be on call 24/7 as required