Cape Town: Product/Contracting Assistant posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Kendrick Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Product / Contracting Assistant on behalf of a luxury safari travel company based in Cape Town. This role supports the Product team by driving the technical execution of product and commercial strategies across Southern and East Africa, ensuring accurate system loading, strong supplier relationships, and seamless support to the Sales team.

The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong contracting, systems, and product knowledge within the luxury safari or tour operating sector.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Product Loading, Efficiencies and System Integrity

• Proactively manage the supplier contract lifecycle, including chasing outstanding rates and auditing rates and terms for accuracy and commercial value

• Analyse data reports, query discrepancies, and negotiate preferential rates, payment terms, and commissions

• Take ownership of rate loading and connectivity processes within Tourplan

• Ensure all contracted rates, terms, tactical offers, and overrides are loaded with 100% accuracy

• Manage and support API connections where applicable

• Conduct regular audits to ensure product descriptions, images, and pricing remain current and competitive

• Perform rate parity and competitor benchmarking checks across B2B and B2C platforms

• Work closely with Operations and Sales teams to resolve rate or system-related issues

• Demonstrate openness to using AI tools to improve efficiency and internal communication

Product Team Coordination and Support

• Manage product-related inboxes, ensuring supplier communication and sales queries are handled promptly

• Process ad-hoc contracting and rate requests timeously and report product gaps to the Head of Product

• Translate technical contract updates into clear, user-friendly communication for Sales teams

• Maintain and update internal product databases

• Represent the company at industry events, site inspections, and supplier engagements

• Continuously build knowledge of Southern and East African travel products

• Support the delivery of internal product training when required

Professional Growth and Company Culture

• Contribute ideas and insights to support innovation and continuous improvement

• Participate in performance reviews and ongoing skills development

• Collaborate actively within the team to solve problems and meet business objectives

• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and operational standards

General Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to overall company goals

• Take ownership of the role with an entrepreneurial mindset

• Support brand development initiatives

• Remain flexible to operational requirements, including occasional evening or weekend work

Requirements, Skills and Core Competencies

• Proven experience within a DMC or tour operating environment, specifically in a product, contracting, or systems role

• Strong proficiency in Tourplan rate loading and a solid understanding of Southern and East African safari products

• High level of technical competence in Microsoft Office or Google Suite, with the ability to learn new systems such as Salesforce

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and minimising financial risk

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage high volumes and meet deadlines

• Commercial awareness and understanding of how contract structures impact profitability

• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

• Professional, ethical, and relationship-focused approach

• Results-driven, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport internally and externally

Candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment for consideration.