Product & Contracting Executive – Tourism Industry Vacancy at Sense of Africa

Position Number: SOA/TZ/HR/ARU/23-24/13

Position Title: Product & Contracting Executive – Tourism Industry

Location: Tanzania – Arusha

Company Profile Summary

Sense of Africa is the premier inbound destination management company in Africa, with offices located in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Our dedicated team of travel consultants specializes in offering clients personalized services and exceptional products, including private guided tours, self-drive adventures, FIT arrangements, and group travel experiences. We pride ourselves on building strong human-to-human business partnerships, supported by robust systems and processes, and providing expert insights into unique tour and safari destinations at competitive prices.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking capable Product & Contracting Executives to join our team in our Tanzania (Arusha) office. As a successful candidate, you will be responsible for putting together and updating the product programs as well as contracting the best possible rates, offer overrides, credit facilities, and terms and conditions from both existing and new suppliers.

2.1 Specific responsibilities/day-to-day activities Product

• Compilation of different programs for different agents using the company standard format
• The effective population of the rates using the different costing sheets for different agents while ensuring that the rates are accurate, as per the agreed contract rates, and the right set of margins for different agents are applied accordingly.
• Effectively work on a rate comparison table on each costing sheet which helps show and understand the rates difference from the previous years/current year and make a decision on what to offer to the clients
• To work within the given timelines for each product and deliver in good time as well as give ideas on how best we can improve on a certain product if need be
• Effectively correspond with agents and create a good relationship with all by ensuring that they have all the accurate information they require
• Must be able to understand which products are offered to which agents and in what formats/Margins, ensuring that the right information is given to the particular agent.
• Be attentive to detail at all times when working on each product as they differ from one agent to another

2.2. Specific responsibilities/day-to-day activities in Contracting

• In coordination with the database team, ensure accurate loading of data and contracts in the Tourplan and B2B system and on time
• Providing guidance and satisfactory solutions to any complaints, queries, and errors that may arise from the master data
• Effective communication with suppliers to uphold, improve, and safeguard the corporate image and identity of the company.
• Assist in managing suppliers through constant communication, evaluating performance, seeking common ways to enhance performance, and regular updates
• Assist in resolving complaints and administrative issues of our suppliers and hotels as well as maintaining and updating supplier inventory with all necessary information
• Negotiating special offers with suppliers to maximize sales
• Reviewing the existing contracts in response to changing trends and market needs
• Assisting the sales team in understanding supplier contracts and data format, terms & conditions as well as rates status

3.0 Minimum Requirements:

E.g. education, experience, specific knowledge, skills, understanding, and attitude)

• Bachelor’s degree/College Diploma in Tour Operations or Business Management/Database Administration.
• At least 2 years of working experience in the tourism industry with knowledge in East Africa.
• Excellent product knowledge of the tourism industry and East Africa geographical region.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to work within a flexible schedule.
• ICT Proficient, Tourplan knowledge is a desired competence.
• Strong analytical and logical skills, strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service and supplier relationship management.
• Must be able to flexible and willing to learn new ideas.

Suitable candidates ready for the challenge are encouraged to apply for the above-listed role by sending an application inclusive of a cover letter together with an updated CV detailing their suitability for the role to hr@senseofafrica.co.ke. Ensure you quote the position title and vacancy number of the position you are applying for in the email subject. Applicants who do not quote the vacancy number will be automatically disqualified.

The application deadline is 25 August 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.