Inbound Ad Hoc Group Proposals Consultant

Thompsons Africa is a Destination Management Company supplying meet and greets, transfers, fully escorted and group series tours, seat-in-vehicle tours, open-vehicle safaris and FIT services in South and Southern Africa. Established more than 36 years, we provide memorable and life changing African holiday experiences thereby ensuring our customer's success in selling Africa.

At Thompsons Africa, we have a strong passion for holidays and providing top-notch service. Over our many years of existence, our team's unwavering dedication and commitment have played a pivotal role in establishing us as a leader in the Inbound Tourism industry. We value creativity and adaptability in our staff members, and in exchange, you'll have the opportunity to work in a vibrant and dynamic culture.

The role will be located in Westville, Durban.

As an Ad hoc Groups Proposals Consultant, you will play a vital role in understanding and fulfilling customer needs and requirements. Your skills in negotiation will shine as you secure favorable rates and services propose and secure ad hoc groups. Embrace the importance of following established processes and ensure that every confirmed proposal is handed to Reservations efficiently and promptly.

**The key performance areas and responsibilities include but are not limited to**:
**1. Maximise quote conversion rates and meet targets**
- Negotiate and secure the best rates with suppliers
- Itinerary development: craft exceptional journeys with creativity
- Implement allocations
- Provide value-for-money options
- Meet turnaround time expectations: honor commitments and timelines
- Follow up on all quotations: nurture potential through proactive communication
- Presentation of proposals: showcase ideas with passion and clarity
- Analyze reports on quote conversation: unlock insights that drive success and growth

**2. Supplier relationships**
- Cultivating strong relationships with Thompsons Africa's preferred partners
- Demonstrate knowledge of supplier offerings
- Identity and establish the best product
- Proactively seeking out new products and innovative concepts

**3. Customer relationships**
- Exceed customer expectations through exceptional service delivery
- Offer customers the best available price and product options
- Cultivate strong, lasting relations with every customer interaction
- Deliver all correspondence, documentation, proposals, and presentations accurately and promptly
- Seek to understand the reasons behind proposal declines

**Requirements**:
**Qualification**:

- Grade 12 (essential)
- Related tertiary qualification in Travel and Tourism (highly preferred)

**Minimum Experience required**:

- At least 5 years of relevant experience in Inbound Tourism
- Experienced in costing and proposing intricate and detailed ad hoc travel groups
- Experienced in handling a large number of group quote requests, often with tight deadlines.
- Experience working within reservations/booking systems

**Minimum Knowledge required**:

- Full understanding of travel products and services
- Extensive knowledge of destinations and logistics in South and Southern Africa

**Core Competencies**:

- Exceptional negotiation skills
- Outstanding listening and writing skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
- Keen attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to propose new products or ideas
- Efficient multitasking abilities
- Highly organized with excellent time management skills and adaptability to change
- Extensive research experience required
- Ability to work with quick turnaround times
- Proactive mindset
- Strong ability to manage and influence others
- Creative and innovative