The role:
In this role you will ensure all flight, transport and other logistics requirements are planned and procured in a controlled and cost-efficient manner. The role reports to the Head of Sales & Aviation and works closely with Operations and Product.
The role holder will have responsibility for more than 100k passengers of which 90% require flights (of which 25% is scheduled carriers, 75% low-cost), 8% Eurostar and 2% no transport. With flight expenditure on an annual basis of c£30m.
* Manage the day today department, workflows, priorities – forward view of workload and addresses imbalances Continuously review internal processes to drive improvements and efficiencies in line with best practice.
* Develop and motivate direct reports and the wider Aviation and Rail team
* Work closely and collaboratively with all departments with primary relationships being Capacity Management, Operations and Product. Ensuring appropriate communication with other business areas as appropriate eg Revenue, Marketing, Sales and Finance
* Evaluate available technology solutions and recommend implementation where applicable
* Accountable for ensuring we maintain and build strong relationships with airlines and other transport suppliers to assure continued standards and service
* Lead initiatives that may support and enhance our customer proposition around transport
* Responsible for administration, organisation and planning for all flights
* Recommend general best practice applicable to Riviera in the Aviation and Rail sectors
* Evaluate available technology solutions and recommend implementation where applicable
* Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines and other transport suppliers to ensure continued standards and service
* Responsible for ensuring monitoring and control of all transport costs against budget and forecasts in conjunction with the Finance/Revenue teams
About you
* Proven experience of leading and motivating a team in a similar environment (contact centre, workflow driven etc)
* Proven experience in a Commercial Aviation role
* Strong influencing and communication skills with the ability to present and converse with senior stakeholders
* Proven technical and systems capability and experience of working with relevant industry (GDS) systems e.g. Travelport, Amadeus, Sabre
* Experience of managing relationships with 3rd party/external suppliers and stakeholders
* The ability to identify and drive improvements and efficiencies.
* Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
* Experience of procurement strategies to add commercial value.
Salary: up to £55,000
What we are offering:
* 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Holiday buy and flexible bank holidays
* Hybrid working
* Annual Bonus Scheme - with on target bonus opportunity of 7.5%
* Learning & Development and Career Progression with access to Learnerbly our learning and development platform and 'Career Pathways'
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to a virtual dentist via the Toothfairy app
* Access to BenefitHub and hundreds of discounts from retailers to insurance
* Discount for you and friends and family on our award-winning holidays!
* Pension Scheme
* Life Assurance
Working Hours: Full time - 37.5 per week, Monday-Friday. Hybrid working – 9 days per month on-site.
About Us
Riviera Travel is a private equity owned cruise and escorted tour holiday specialist, operating in the UK, Europe and across the world. The company is based in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Its holidays are aimed at over-55s who want to continue to travel and explore the world with confidence. Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading River Cruise specialist. The company has been operating since 1984 and is a Which? recommended provider.