South Africa: Senior Operations Specialist (Inbound Dmc) – Cape Town / Jhb (Hybrid) posted by Phoenix Recruitment

February 2, 2026 Jobs in South Africa

Phoenix Recruitment

ZA

Travel / tourism

Job Description

Well known Destination Management Company with offices in Cape Town & Johannesburg is looking for a Senior Operations Specialist. We are looking for a candidate that is detail-oriented and passionate about travel, that thrive in a fast-paced environment to play a pivotal role in delivering seamless luxury journeys across Africa. As a Senior Operations Specialist , you’ll provide comprehensive operational and administrative support throughout the booking lifecycle, working closely with Travel Designers. From the quoting stage to post-travel file archiving, you’ll ensure every detail is managed, supplier relationships are strong, and guest experiences are flawless. Duties: Collaborate with Travel Designers from quoting to completion, ensuring operational accuracy and continuity. Engage directly with agents and guests to collect and manage all required information, ensuring it’s accurately captured and communicated. Act as the main contact for suppliers, reconfirm services, manage special requests, and coordinate value-adds for VIP guests. Maintain up-to-date booking information, upload documents and compile itinerary materials for review. Manage supplier invoices, payments, and ensure all services are paid prior to travel. Monitor guest travel, resolve in-country issues and archive booking files post-travel. Stay current on group’s camps and experiences across Southern & East Africa, and attend regular training to deepen destination expertise. Use industry systems (Wilderness Window, WETU, Smartbox, Tourplan, etc.) to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. Requirements: Matric with Maths (Standard Grade or higher) Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality. At least 4–5 years in a senior reservations operations role; proven experience in customer service, familiarity with TourPlan and Microsoft Office. Exceptional attention to detail, strong communication (English required, European languages advantageous) Organisational skills Creative, proactive, service-driven Passionate about wildlife and conservation Able to work under pressure Dedicated to customer satisfaction.

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About Travel / tourism Jobs in ZA

The travel and tourism industry in South Africa is typically a dynamic and fast-paced field, with a high demand for skilled professionals to cater to the growing number of domestic and international tourists visiting the country. This includes roles such as hotel management, hospitality operations, tour guiding, travel agency management, and more.

Salaries in the travel and tourism industry in South Africa can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. Generally, entry-level positions may start within a broad range of R150 000 to R250 000 per annum, while senior roles or those in larger companies may command salaries ranging from R400 000 to over R1 million per annum. However, it’s essential to note that actual salaries can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and industry standards.

Common skills required for careers in the travel and tourism industry in South Africa include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a strong understanding of the local culture and tourism infrastructure, proficiency in multiple languages (such as English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, or isiXhosa), and experience with customer service, event management, and marketing. Typically, a degree or diploma in hospitality, tourism, or a related field is also required for many entry-level positions.

The industry sectors that commonly employ travel and tourism professionals include the financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and more. Tourist infrastructure development projects are also creating new job opportunities across various sectors.

Career progression paths for those entering the travel and tourism industry in South Africa may include training and certifications in specialized areas such as hotel management, tour guiding, or travel agency operations. Typically, career advancement opportunities can be found through promotions within existing companies, networking events, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. Additionally, many travel and tourism companies invest in staff development programs to enhance skills and knowledge, providing opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and advance their careers.

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This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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