Johannesburg: Senior Travel Specialist (Africa) – Luxury Lodge Collection – Jhb | Sl posted by HotelJobs

NEW Travel Roles Vacancy Johannesburg ? ? Senior Travel Specialist (Africa) Luxury Travel & Journeys (In office, JHB) Live-out Role | Market-related salary – Negotiable (DOE) | Sales-driven, high-touch guest journeys Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Africa Travel Specialist for a luxury travel and journeys division based at Head Office in Johannesburg. This role is suited to a confident, highly knowledgeable travel professional who can design bespoke itineraries across Southern and East Africa ; convert enquiries into bookings, and consistently deliver exceptional, detail-perfect guest proposals. This position blends high-level itinerary planning with proactive sales engagement and strong commercial delivery. Key Responsibilities Travel Coordination & Planning Design and sell tailor-made itineraries including flights, transfers, and accommodation across luxury lodges/hotels and preferred partners Proactively engage with prospective guests to convert enquiries into confirmed bookings Upsell and cross-sell experiences, properties, and added-value services where appropriate Maintain detailed product knowledge across the portfolio, including room types, layouts, locations, and services Stay updated on third-party partners and destination logistics across Southern and East Africa Sales & Revenue Generation Meet or exceed monthly and annual sales targets through direct bookings Track and report on conversion, sales performance, and revenue metrics Identify new business opportunities and contribute to sales strategies and campaigns Build and maintain strong relationships with high-value guests and repeat clientele Booking Management & Administration Capture bookings accurately and maintain complete reservation files from enquiry through guest departure Confirm bookings timeously via email and ensure all operational notes and requirements are correct Work confidently across reservations and CRM platforms, ensuring clean data and consistent follow-through Financial Management Ensure timely payment collection and follow-ups on outstanding balances Submit monthly reconciliations, booking breakdowns, and required reporting Guest Service Excellence Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally and promptly, ensuring service recovery Ensure proposals and communication are accurate, polished, and aligned to brand standards Follow up with guests post-travel to ensure satisfaction and strengthen loyalty Professional Development Attend educational trips and trade events as required Contribute to departmental profitability through excellent service delivery and conversion Requirements Education Grade 12 essential Tourism or Hospitality Degree/Diploma advantageous Experience Minimum 8 years experience in a similar travel sales role with proven sales performance, ideally within a tour operator environment Strong exposure to luxury travel planning and complex itinerary building Technical Skills Proficiency in MS Office essential Tourplan and Res Request essential Strong understanding of CRM systems and KPI/target-driven work environments Comprehensive Southern and East Africa destination knowledge essential Core Competencies Excellent written and verbal English communication Strong time management, discipline, and ability to manage multiple files simultaneously Commercially strong, confident closer, and skilled negotiator Guest-centric mindset with high attention to detail Professional, calm under pressure, and a strong team player To Apply Please submit your CV, contactable references, and a recent head and shoulders photograph ASAP. ? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.