Freelance Programme Manager
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Job Summary
Freelance Programme Manager
The role:
We are looking for a strategic relationship-led Freelance Programme Manager to build support and scale our freelance guide and tour leader network across Japan and selected InsideAsia Tours destinations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring we consistently deliver highquality culturally rich experiences for our clients while meeting operational demand as the business grows.
Based primarily in Japan you will take ownership of recruitment onboarding training and ongoing support of our freelance guides and tour leaders with a growing remit across Asia. Youll work closely with Field Operations Sales Product and Delivery teams to ensure the right people are in place at the right time delivering experiences that reflect our brands and values. If you enjoy building trusted relationships improving systems and making a tangible impact on customer experience wed love to hear from you.
Key responsibilities:
Lead support and develop a highperforming network of freelance guides and tour leaders across Japan and expanding InsideAsia destinations.
Oversee endtoend freelance lifecycle activity including recruitment onboarding training quality assurance and performance management.
Ensure sufficient freelance capacity to meet business demand while maintaining high standards of delivery and professionalism.
Work closely with internal teams (Field Operations Sales Product Booking Delivery Marketing POD) to align guide capability with operational needs.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with DMCs and external partners in nonJapan destinations.
Embed Inside Travel Groups values and Impact commitments into freelance delivery on the ground.
Improve processes systems and ways of working to increase efficiency scalability and consistency.
Analyse feedback and performance data to drive continuous improvement in guide quality and client experience.
What we are looking for from you:
Strong knowledge of the Asia tourism industry with handson experience leading or supporting tours.
Proven experience managing geographically dispersed teams or freelance networks.
A strategic solutionsfocused mindset with the ability to balance quality capacity and growth.
An empathetic approachable leadership style with strong coaching and communication skills.
Confidence working with senior internal and external stakeholders across functions and cultures.
Willingness and ability to travel within Japan and across Asia when required.
Strong organisational and IT skills including confidence using Microsoft Office tools.
You dont need to meet every requirement. If youre motivated passionate and think youd be a great fit we would love to hear from you. As an equal opportunities employer were committed to making our recruitment process inclusive accessible and welcoming for everyone. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the recruitment process please let us know.
What you get in return:
Japanese Health Insurance Employee Pension Scheme Employment Insurance and Labour Accident Compensation
23 days annual leave
Day off on your birthday
Volunteering leave
Annual Health Check
Employee Assistance Program
Extensive travel throughout Asia
Subsistence allowance during tours and other travel for work
Designated learning and development time
Annual discretionary company performance bonus
Hybrid/remote working options in line with our flexible working policy (with onboarding likely in-office initially).
How to apply:
We will be reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of applications we may close the application process before the stated deadline if we receive enough qualified candidates. Please note that all applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. While we do not provide visa sponsorship applications from candidates on valid time-limited visas are welcome.
Closing Date: Tuesday 12th May 2026
First Interviews: On a rolling basis
Second Interviews: On a rolling basis
