JOB ADVERTISEMENT:

RESERVATIONS & SAFARIS MANAGER – (1 POST)

Mwiba Holdings Limited is registered Tanzanian Company under Companies Ordinance (Cap. 212) and a leading Hospitality company with its Operations in Arusha, Meatu-Simiyu and Mara Regions.

We are currently looking for Reservations & Safaris Manager to be part of our team and provide support to all our tourist facilities and enhance Photographic Safari Experience.

KEY RESULT AREAS / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Thorough knowledge and consistent application of all reservations systems, policies and procedures.
• Overseeing all reservations and safaris for our properties ensuring that, all reservations are loaded into respective reservation systems, monitoring agent’s emails trends and safari operations requests.
• Sound knowledge of Tanzania and East Africa, understanding travel logistics and an ability to create tailored itineraries.
• Be a back up to the LEX properties and touring consultants in their absence.
• Manage tentative and confirmed reservations in the system
• Administering safari designing i.e. checking availability, booking, quoting, tailoring an itinerary, invoicing and monitoring confirmations.
• Oversee bookings for all Mwiba Holdings photographic properties this will include airport transfers, accommodation, flights, airports meet and greets etc. for all company’s agents
• Be in charge and take control of safaris by ensuring all overbookings quarrels are timely resolved and be available to solve any client issues arising while on safari.
• Developing safari rates, sharing and updating rates changes with Company’s agents, advising your team on timing and charges for trip cancellation and familiarization (FAM) trips.
• Overall responsible of day to day operations and running of LEX office i.e. in charge of reservation, LEX accounts, safaris and operations.
• Responsible for LEX office’s administration by planning and approving of departmental duties roster, departmental leave and off days.
• Working closely with HR to motivate and provide leadership and counselling to all staff at all levels to ensure a well organised, motivated and efficient work force.
• Hold weekly departmental meetings and utilise leadership and motivation skills to maximize employee productivity and satisfaction.
• Be part of recruitment for all LEX employees.
• Continuously endeavours to improve the department’s efficient operation.
• Manage relationships with other departments, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Guests and suppliers.
• Attend Revenue meetings and implement strategies with reservations team
• Complete reports as and when required.
• Checking and approving all departmental requests and, reviewing all invoices (including third party services and park fee invoices against sales forms).
• Work closely with sales and marketing team and be part of marketing research to identify selling possibilities and evaluate customer/agent’s needs.
• Actively seeking out new sales opportunities through cold calling, networking and social media.

PROFESSIONAL AND INTERPERSONAL DETAILS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in tourism/reservation or equivalent in related field.
• An advanced level of computer literacy with special focus on hospitality data use systems, as well as, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of 5 years in Reservations & Safaris.
• Ability to effectively listen, communicate and perform diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders, agents, guests and staff in all situations.
• High level of leadership skills as well as a team player who demonstrates the ability to build and develop successful department.
• Have a positive demeanor and ‘can do’ attitude in order to steer team into the future.
• Have the ability to work through periods of high demand and ready to work on weekends.
• Ability to maintain physical stamina.
• A passion for hospitality and the photographic safari industry.
• Have a positive attitude and the ability to think out of the box.
• Assertiveness, patient and possessing good organizational skills.