African Ample Assistance is an independent, inbound tour operator,  based in Hout Bay Cape Town, South Africa since 1997.  AAA Travel is well-known for providing a unique service, personal attention, and creative travel ideas to their clients.

We are looking for a skilled and highly motivated Contracting Manager to join our dynamic contracting team.  The person will play a pivotal role in the supervision and strategic planning of all contacting projects, product development, supplier contracting and development as well as relationship building .  The role requires good managerial skills, the ability to supervise, train and mentor the contracting team, reservations knowledge, the ability to work under pressure and an extensive practical knowledge of SA and Southern Africa as well as an understanding of East Africa.   

Key Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Managing and mentoring the contracting team
• Overseeing the contracting process (including rates negotiations, contract terms and conditions negotiations with suppliers).
• Regular contracting trips across SA and Southern Africa to source new products, maintaining long term relationships and building new partnerships with suppliers.
• Work closely with reservations and marketing departments developing new itineraries and routings.
• Attending local trade shows.
• Presentations on new and existing suppliers, properties and excursions.

Experience:

• Expert knowledge of SA and Southern Africa as well as an understanding of East Africa;  the cultures, tourist attractions and accommodations with well-travelled experience.
• Travelled extensively around Southern Africa and a keen interest in travel throughout Africa.
• Ability to research and develop product and routing.
• Strong leadership with a proven track record.
• Good command of the English language.
• Ability to communicate in Afrikaans.
• In possession of a valid driving license is essential.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or similar qualification.
• Grade 12 Math’s
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar position within a Tour Operator environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiating skills.

Salary:

• Market related and dependent on experience. 

Start date:

• Position available immediately.