Team Leader - DMC / Safari / Travel

About the role

A client of the employer, which arranges destination management services across many African countries and has source markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas, is looking for a Team Leader based in Namibia. The role supports a team of Destination Specialists, leads them in delivering agent requests and improving service standards, and quotes and runs profitable tour products for existing and new clients. The position is full time and permanent, with a hybrid workplace.

Key responsibilities

• Sales: cost products, understand the market and control margins, build and maintain agent and supplier relationships, source new products and develop business with the General Manager
• Operations: quote and design itineraries and proposals, capture and confirm bookings in Tourplan, negotiate with suppliers for better rates, cancellation policies, FOCs and value adds, find new suppliers, monitor client feedback and improve processes
• Groups and emergencies: run group and series bookings, handle the 24-hour emergency phone, prepare guide documentation and brief guides, work with tour guides on tour
• Training and coaching: pass on Tourplan knowledge, keep the team updated on new products and changes, and support groups and procurement
• Finance: reconcile supplier invoices, assist the debtors' clerk with invoicing and collection queries, and reconcile tour guide expense sheets and salary invoices
• Additional duties: attend supplier training and workshops, reduce transaction turnaround time, travel on educational and familiarisation trips including hosting agents, and perform other allocated or extraordinary tasks

Required profile

• Proven leadership or team management experience in a DMC or safari/inbound travel environment
• Strong hands-on experience quoting, designing itineraries, costing and negotiating with suppliers for group travel, tour series and FITs across Southern and East Africa
• Demonstrated ability to coach, train and support Destination Specialists
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills with agents and suppliers
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally for educational trips, supplier meetings and agent hosting

Required skills

• Solid working knowledge of Tourplan or a similar travel booking system
• Understanding of African travel destinations, logistics and supplier networks

What we offer

• Medical aid, life insurance, death and disability insurance and funeral cover
• Hybrid office environment with flexible work hours
• Study leave and financial assistance for relevant business studies after at least one year
• Long-service award bonus