Managing Director - Specialist Travel / Tour Operator

Managing Director – Specialist Tour Operator Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid working) Salary: £65,000 – £95,000 Performance Bonus Potential Long-Term Incentives Are you a commercially driven, culturally curious leader with a passion for travel and customer experience? We’re searching for an ambitious Managing Director to lead a well-established, niche tour operator offering premium, themed small-group tours to discerning global clientele. With strong foundations, a loyal customer base, and exciting growth opportunities on the horizon, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a business known for delivering high-quality, immersive travel experiences. The Opportunity As Managing Director, you will: Drive business growth through the development of new themes (e.g. art, music, geology) alongside established historical and cultural itineraries Explore bespoke travel opportunities and strengthen relationships with UK/US institutional partners Expand international markets and enhance client acquisition strategies Lead, inspire, and optimise a small but dedicated team Oversee operations, product, marketing, customer service, and finance functions Champion service quality, ensuring consistently high feedback from clients Introduce operational efficiencies and explore tech/AI tools to support scale You’ll Be a Great Fit If You: Are a proven senior leader (Director, Managing Director, General Manager, Sales Manager (or similar) with SME or service-led experience Thrive in a hands-on environment and naturally build trust with your team Can manage high expectations and service delivery for high-net-worth customers (avg. trip value £3.5k) Bring a commercial mindset and are confident building strategic growth plans from the ground up Have strong financial literacy (P&L, forecasting, budgeting) Are energised by building lasting customer relationships and expanding brand reach Experience in the travel or education/cultural sector is desirable but not essential if you share the company's values and vision. Why Join? Shape the future of a unique travel business with a premium customer base Opportunity to lead with autonomy, creativity, and strategic influence Supportive environment with scope for long-term personal and professional growth

Location: Basingstoke, UK, GB

Posted Date: 7/13/2025