News

Absolute Escapes is an ambitious and specialist tour operator, offering imaginative and unique travel experiences to our clients from around the world. Established in Edinburgh in 2004 we specialise in walking holidays in the UK & Ireland and tailor-made travel in Scotland.

Our philosophy is to offer exceptional holidays tailored to an individual’s requirements. We use our expert knowledge to seek out the best that Scotland has to offer - the best places to stay, the best experiences and the best itineraries.

Our walking holidays focus on long distance trails throughout the UK & Ireland and we are proud of our reputation for providing quality holidays and the highest standards of customer service. As each holiday is individually booked, we offer a personal service to our clients where attention to detail is the key.

Job Description – Operations Assistant

As part of our continued growth plans we are now seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and professional individual who is passionate about travel and the outdoors to join our team as an Operations Assistant.

The role will play an integral part in delivering all aspects of the walking holidays and tailor-made tours that we provide for our UK and international clients. You will be highly organised with a keen attention to detail and excellent people skills as you will be working with a wide range of partners and suppliers in the tourism industry.

You will be involved in every aspect of the operational side of the business and will assist in exceeding our customers’ expectations and in the future success of Absolute Escapes.

This role would suit someone with a keen interest in walking and the outdoors, as well as a good knowledge of Scotland, who is looking to develop a career in the industry.

Location

Absolute Escapes Office in Edinburgh city centre.

Duties and Responsibilities

-    Managing the entire customer experience from enquiry through to post trip follow-up

-    Making reservations with accommodation, transport and other service providers

-    Ensure bookings are efficiently processed and client requests are met

-    Dealing with client issues arising before, during and after trips

-    Building long term relationships with our customers

-    Ensure relationships with partners and suppliers are effectively managed

-    Involvement in improving existing products and the development of new products to enhance customer experiences

-    Provide general administrative support to all business functions and ad hoc duties to assist in the running of the office



Skills, Knowledge and Experience

-    A strong commitment to excellent customer service and exceeding expectations

-    Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with an ability to deal clearly and professionally with the general public by telephone and email

-    Strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential, even when faced with multiple tasks

-    Flexibility and a willingness to learn, embrace change and new challenges

-    A real people person who loves interacting with a variety of people on a daily basis and enjoys working as part of a team

-    Persuasive and influencing skills are needed

-    A high level of motivation and strong work ethic with the ability to work on own initiative, in a small entrepreneurial business

-    Excellent computer skills required including fluency in MS Word, Excel and the Internet

-    Ideally educated to degree level. Although a degree is not essential, an excellent command of both written and spoken English and strong numerical skills are required

-    Whilst experience in working in the travel industry and knowledge of Scotland as a tourism destination would be an advantage it is not essential

-    A genuine passion for walking and the outdoors

Hours

-    Monday to Friday

-    9.00am – 5.00pm

-    40 hours per week



Salary and Benefits

-    £ 15,000 - £ 18,000 pa depending on qualifications and experience

-    20 days annual holiday

-    8 Public Holidays

-    1 week’s fully paid Absolute Escapes research trip



Closing Date

Sunday 15th January 2012



How to Apply

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter or email explaining why you are suited to the role and describing your favourite place in Scotland:

Andy Gabe, Absolute Escapes Ltd, 27/10 Maxwell Street, Edinburgh, EH10 5FT
Email: info@absoluteescapes.com 
Website: www.absoluteescapes.com