Tiernan Travel are looking for a highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented Operations Specialist to join their growing team.
This is an important role within Tiernan Travel, responsible for managing the operational delivery of confirmed luxury itineraries across the UK and Ireland.
Working closely with the travel design team, the Operations Specialist will take ownership of bookings once confirmed, ensuring all arrangements are secured, accurately documented and delivered to the highest standard.
From liaising with luxury hotels and private guides to coordinating transfers, experiences and special requests, the candidate will play a key role in ensuring clients enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Tiernan Travel are looking for someone who enjoys problem-solving, takes ownership of their work and understands that the smallest details can make the biggest difference.
Key responsibilities:
1. Booking Management & Operations
- Take ownership of confirmed bookings following handover from the travel design team.
- Review itineraries thoroughly to ensure all services, dates, timings and arrangements are accurate.
- Confirm and manage reservations with hotels, chauffeur companies, private guides, experience providers and other suppliers.
- Maintain accurate booking records, confirmations and supplier correspondence.
- Monitor booking deadlines, payment schedules, cancellation terms and supplier requirements.
- Coordinate itinerary amendments and additional arrangements as required.
- Ensure all services are fully confirmed and operationally ready ahead of client arrival.
2. Supplier Relationships & Coordination
- Build and maintain excellent working relationships with supplier partners throughout the UK and Ireland.
- Communicate professionally and efficiently with luxury hotels, transport providers, guides and experience suppliers.
- Negotiate and resolve operational matters where necessary.
- Monitor supplier performance and ensure service standards are consistently maintained.
- Identify potential supplier issues and take proactive steps to resolve them.
- Support the development of supplier network by sharing feedback and recommendations with management.
3. Travel Documentation & Quality Control
- Prepare and review final travel documentation, ensuring all information is accurate, clear and professionally presented.
- Cross-check supplier confirmations against the client’s itinerary.
- Verify important operational details, including collection points, transfer timings, hotel arrangements and activity schedules.
- Ensure special requests, dietary requirements, accessibility needs and other relevant client information are communicated to the appropriate suppliers.
- Maintain accurate information within internal systems.
- Carry out final quality checks before travel documentation is released.
4. Client Experience & On-the-Ground Support
- Support the smooth delivery of itineraries while clients are travelling.
- Respond promptly and professionally to operational enquiries from travel advisors and suppliers.
- Assist with last-minute changes, unexpected disruptions and service-related issues.
- Work closely with colleagues to resolve problems efficiently and minimise disruption to the client experience.
- Participate in the company’s emergency support arrangements where required and agreed.
- Ensure travel advisors are kept appropriately informed of any significant operational changes.
5. Financial & Administrative Accuracy
- Review supplier invoices and ensure charges correspond with agreed rates and confirmed services.
- Monitor supplier payment deadlines and communicate requirements to the relevant team members.
- Identify discrepancies in pricing, invoices or booking arrangements.
- Maintain accurate financial and operational records.
- Support the Operations Manager with cost control and the resolution of supplier-related financial queries.
6. Teamwork & Continuous Improvement
- Work collaboratively with the travel design and operations teams to ensure seamless handovers.
- Maintain clear and timely communication with colleagues.
- Manage multiple bookings and competing deadlines effectively.
- Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, efficiency and service delivery.
- Contribute positively to a supportive, professional and solution-focused working environment.
Key skills & experience:
- Previous experience in travel operations, luxury hospitality, a DMC, tour operator or a similar service-focused environment.
- Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple bookings, deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Confidence in communicating with suppliers and resolving operational issues.
- Good geographical knowledge of the UK and Ireland, or a willingness to develop this quickly.
- Strong computer literacy and confidence using booking platforms and administrative systems.
- A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility for assigned bookings.
How to apply: please email Kristine Bileskalne.
