Senior Travel Designer

Overview You’ll be creating unique and personalised travel itineraries that showcase authentic, meaningful experiences across the Africa region, designed with responsible travel practices in mind. As a senior member of the team, you will play a key role in converting high-value leads into bookings by building deep, trusting relationships with our clients. Through thoughtful phone conversations, you will understand guests’ motivations and travel aspirations, inspire them with regional knowledge, and craft exceptional journeys. You’ll deliver consistent, high-touch care before, during, and after travel. We are looking for an experienced, curious, and genuine people-person who thrives on connecting with Jacada guests and cultivating long-lasting relationships. What You’ll Be Doing Speak directly with guests through frequent phone calls, video calls, and email to understand their needs, interests, and passions. Lead conversations and guide clients through complex travel decisions as a senior in this high-contact sales role. Curate sophisticated, bespoke itineraries across the Africa region tailored to each guest, with a focus on sustainable, one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, and experiences that align with responsible travel values. Apply advanced sales techniques to convert leads effectively, navigate objections, build rapport, and close high-value enquiries. Proactively upsell premium experiences and components that elevate each journey. Cross-sell alternative destinations or options when initial requests are unavailable or misaligned, ensuring guest needs are thoughtfully met. Manage follow-up administrative tasks promptly and accurately, including booking confirmations, invoicing, and updating CRM records. This role includes a significant administrative workload requiring strong organisation and efficiency. Cultivate strong relationships before, during, and after travel to encourage repeat business and referrals, ensuring interactions feel personal and exceptional. Maintain a highly organised sales pipeline and work efficiently within our CRM and systems, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines. Handle challenging situations calmly and efficiently, preserving a positive guest experience. Collaborate with all departments, DMCs, and suppliers across the region to ensure seamless guest experiences. Support the marketing team with editorial content, insights, and updating example itineraries for Africa destinations. Offer support to team members as needed, especially during busy periods or when colleagues are away. Build and reinforce professional relationships with DMCs and suppliers across the region, drawing on experience and confidence. Travel on FAM trips within the region to maximise insight gathering and deliver product training upon return; upload relevant media to the asset management system. What You’re Like A minimum of four years’ experience in a tour operator or luxury travel environment, ideally with a focus on the African region, plus extensive personal travel within Africa. Deep, first-hand knowledge of Africa destinations and cultures, with a genuine passion for responsible travel. A natural relationship-builder energized by speaking with guests and forming long-lasting connections. Strong listening and thoughtful communication, with regard for guests and colleagues’ ideas. Open-minded, curious, and keen to learn. Confident problem-solver who embraces challenges, especially when travel plans need to pivot. Supportive, positive, and aligned with Jacada’s culture of wellness, care, and teamwork. Highly motivated, sales-driven, and able to juggle multiple tasks without compromising quality. Creative, innovative, and eager to push the boundaries of exceptional travel. Calm and composed under pressure with exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Proactive team player who supports colleagues and contributes to collective goals. Interview Process 1st Stage: Virtual interview via Google Meet with the Head of Africa Travel Design and the Recruitment & People Coordinator. Task Stage: Roleplay phone call (full details to follow). Role Details Reports to: Head of Africa Travel Design Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am–6pm in Shoreditch (typically 3 days in office, 2 days WFH) Start Date: 9 March 2026 Salary Basic salary of £34,067 plus a commission structure with a realistic OTE £50,000–£90,000. Guaranteed minimum commission topping earnings up to at least £47,000 p.a. for the first 7 months. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Management Industries Travel Arrangements Note: This description focuses on the responsibilities, requirements, and expectations for the Senior Travel Consultant role. Other job postings or boilerplate content have been omitted to maintain clarity. #J-18808-Ljbffr