Chief Operating Officer - Tourism

Description

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

Responsibilities

• 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 yearonyear growth at a predetermined percentage and actively pursue disintermediating 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.
  

Qualifications and Expertise

• Minimum 10 years experience in a senior management role in inbound tourism
  
• Understanding of customers needs and products in the inbound tourism industry
  
• Indepth 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
  

Competency

• 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 decisionmaking 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
  

Salary

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