Kirker Holidays is looking to recruit a Product Manager – Italy to cover all aspects of Kirker’s renowned Italy programme.
This role needs an enthusiastic expert who has extensive knowledge of what a culturally‑inclined, discerning traveller needs from a specialist tour operator. The individual will require extensive knowledge of Italy and the hotels that meet Kirker’s specification, especially independent properties that are able to provide clients with high levels of personal services and meticulous attention to detail.
Contract Management
Lead Kirker’s contracting strategy for Italy
Act as the key point of contact for suppliers (hotels, DMCs and transfer companies) regarding contracting and operational matters
Negotiate contracts with new and existing hotels including annual renewals and seasonal special offers etc
Liaise closely with the Managing Director, Reservations Manager and Marketing Manager to ensure that the company has market‑leading contracts
Visit suppliers in Italy on a regular basis to ensure expert, first‑hand knowledge of all aspects of Italian product. The trips will often include colleagues from the Reservations Team who need to learn more about destination detail
To arrange and participate in educational trips for colleagues and travel agents
To support the Kirker Cultural Tours & Music Holidays group programme
To maintain existing relationships and research new destinations & cultural highlights, as well as monitoring updates regarding refurbishment and new openings
Key Tasks
To negotiate contracts and successfully manage supplier relationships
To prepare, complete and load supplier contracts onto the booking system
To write accurate and effective brochure copy for print and digital media
To manage existing and new supplier relationships to ensure the company maximises commercial opportunities and maintains its reputation as the preeminent Italy specialist tour operator in the UK market and beyond
To communicate regularly and effectively with Reservations and Marketing teams
To travel regularly within Italy to meet in person with hotels and other suppliers to manage and develop commercial opportunities
To speak directly to clients and travel agents when the need arises
To monitor competitors’ activities to ensure Kirker promotions reflect the latest offers
The successful applicant will have:
A wide experience in Contracting within a similar role and excellent product knowledge
A passion for Italy and Italian culture
Outstanding attention to detail
Excellent communication skills to ensure that colleagues, hoteliers and clients all recognise the individual in this role as a respected leader and inspirational, expert manager who is passionate and proud about the company they represent and the role they fulfil
An Italian speaker who has excellent written and spoken English
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