Chief Operating Officer - Travel & Tourism

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead, develop, implement, and execute long-term strategies aimed at increasing turnover and profitability for our client.

• Effectively manage and lead the team of currently 100 staff.
• Implement and control business strategies to exceed customer expectations and achieve sales targets.
• Drive profitability while ensuring effective management of both local and international client and supplier relationships.
• Achieve annual budgeted targets for turnover, margins, and overall profitability.
• Foster year-on-year growth at a predetermined percentage, and actively pursue dis-intermediating strategies to ensure business sustainability.
• Regularly review sales focus to optimize operational performance.
  
• Connect and synergise SOA SA to the support business units such as PPM, Finance, HR and IT.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

• Develop financial, operational, and sales strategies to maintain and grow market leadership in the inbound leisure sector.
• Ensure effective implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Represent SOA SA at Divisional Board meetings.
• Monitor the competitive landscape for market expansion opportunities and industry developments and adjust the business model accordingly.
• Engage in industry events and associations to enhance leadership skills and bolster SOA’s reputation.
• Participate in strategic planning to maximize revenue and drive business improvement and efficiency.
• Align sales and operations activities with core business strategies, executing key initiatives and providing specialized support.
• Respond promptly to evolving demands and priority changes within the division.
• Identify opportunities for market penetration and strengthen existing customer relationships.
• Successfully digitise the commodity trading space by entrepreneurial use of technology such as the VMP and AI.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key clients.
• Ensure that client expectations are consistently met and that the highest service standards are maintained.
• Provide clients with competitive pricing and product offerings.
• Continuously explore creative ideas and review product offerings for clients.
• Facilitate effective communication between clients and the business.

SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Commit to building and maintaining relationships with preferred partners.
• Develop an understanding of supplier products and services.
• Engage in personal development related to destinations and product knowledge.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Develop and align operational strategies based on performance metrics and business needs.
• Ensure management efficiency and operational effectiveness.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior management role in inbound tourism
• Understanding of customers’ needs and products in the inbound tourism industry
• In-depth knowledge of the hospitality and inbound tourism industry
• Strong Communication skills
• Strong Financial and Business Acumen
• Experience in developing efficient strategies and business plans
• Experience in project development and management
• Financial analysis knowledge including; budgeting skills, financial management, and accounting principles to successfully run the business

• A mature approach when dealing with people
• Ability to handle controversial or emotional issues objectively and analytically
• Capacity for dealing with employees at all levels
• Confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people
• Excellent planning, Organisational, analytical and decision-making skills
• Good conflict resolution skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Integrity and Honesty
• Good interpersonal skills
• Project Management skills
• Good problem solving skills
• Excellent Organisational skills
• Strong Negotiation skills
• Research, Organisational and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong working knowledge of Tourplan

The salary for this position is competitive and dependent on relevant experience.