Head of Tour Operations
| Posting date: | 24 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 December 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, IP1 5LL |
| Company: | Vacancy Filler |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | NOV20257557 |
Summary
Fred. Olsen Travel was established in 1988 with family values at its heart with a passion to create unforgettable holiday experiences. As one of the UK’s most established travel companies, we continue to provide an environment where our people can thrive, and where growth and great culture go hand-in-hand. We are proud to provide an outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our distinct specialist areas.With 28 retail travel branches distributed across East Anglia and the South Coast, our retail team are on hand to offer holiday advise whenever needed. We are also the UK General Sales Agents for Star Clippers, Amadeus River Cruises, Pandaw River Cruises and American Cruise Lines. Additionally, from our Head Office in Ipswich we operate Fred. Olsen Business Travel providing a full corporate travel service and Fred. Holidays specialising in tailormade holidays in Rail and cruises, as well as Go Cruise and Travel Franchises.Our mission is to be a world class provider of travel products and services with a reputation for outstanding customer service, unrivalled choice, exceptional quality and value for money.We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Tour Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our tour operating division. This leadership position will be instrumental in building a significant and profitable tour operating business within Fred. Olsen Travel. You will lead and manage the teams responsible for Product, Business Development, Business Travel, Reservations, and Administration, ensuring each area is fully aligned with our commercial and operational strategy. With responsibility for driving direct-channel growth, you will work closely with Marketing and eCommerce colleagues to drive qualified traffic through the most cost-effective digital channels. You will also oversee the development of key trade partnerships, delivering ambitious trade targets.We are eager to hear from candidates with senior-level experience in tour operating, who have a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic plans that drive business growth. This role requires essential experience in Product Development, coupled with expertise in online development and digital channels. To thrive in this position, you will need strong leadership and team development skills, along with a collaborative and influential style that allows you to inspire and secure commitment at all levels, up to the Board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our tour operating business and make a tangible impact across the organisation.This is a permanent Full-Time position based at our Head Office (Fred Olsen House, White House Road, Ipswich, IP1 5LL) Working 35 hours per week, offering a hybrid work pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days at home.Fred. Olsen Travel offers a wide range of exciting employee benefits including but not limited to Bupa Private Medical, Life Assurance, Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay, Discounted Travel, Cruise Concessions plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our MyBenefits scheme.Attached to this advert you will find a full overview of the fantastic benefits we offer, along with a detailed Job Profile for this position.We know our people are our biggest strength, and we’re determined to continuously enhance the way we manage, develop, and lead. Here at Fred. Olsen Travel we are proud to be accredited by Investors in People, and we take pride in putting our employees first.Our values are:Customer Driven: We strive to look through the lens of each customer to ensure we continuously put their needs and expectations at the heart of everything we do.Valuing Diversity: We believe differing views and experiences make us stronger. By working to create a representative and inclusive business, we can deliver the right solution to our customers in the right way.Investing in people: We believe that by continuously seeking to grow personally and professionally develop our people, we can improve our future today.Winning Together: We deliver our best outcomes and results when we all pull in the same direction, creating a positive team spirit where people feel valued, support each other and share in success together.Doing the right thing: We pride ourselves on doing what is right and building trust in every situation with our people, customers and community.As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.