Managing Director – Specialist Tour Operator

Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid working)

Salary: £80,000 – £100K + Performance Bonus + Potential Long-Term Incentives

Are you a commercially driven, culturally curious leader with a passion for travel and customer experience?

We’re searching for an ambitious Managing Director to lead a well-established, niche tour operator offering premium, themed small-group tours to discerning global clientele. With strong foundations, a loyal customer base, and exciting growth opportunities on the horizon, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a business known for delivering high-quality, immersive travel experiences.

The Opportunity

As Managing Director, you will:

• Drive business growth through the development of new themes (e.g. art, music, geology) alongside established historical and cultural itineraries
• Explore bespoke travel opportunities and strengthen relationships with UK/US institutional partners
• Expand international markets and enhance client acquisition strategies
• Lead, inspire, and optimise a small but dedicated team
• Oversee operations, product, marketing, customer service, and finance functions
• Champion service quality, ensuring consistently high feedback from clients
• Introduce operational efficiencies and explore tech/AI tools to support scale

You’ll Be a Great Fit If You:

• Are a proven senior leader (Director, Managing Director, General Manager, Sales Manager (or similar) with SME or service-led experience
• Thrive in a hands-on environment and naturally build trust with your team
• Can manage high expectations and service delivery for high-net-worth customers (avg. trip value £3.5k+)
• Bring a commercial mindset and are confident building strategic growth plans from the ground up
• Have strong financial literacy (P&L, forecasting, budgeting)
• Are energised by building lasting customer relationships and expanding brand reach

Experience in the travel or education/cultural sector is desirable but not essential if you share the company's values and vision.

Why Join?

• Shape the future of a unique travel business with a premium customer base
• Opportunity to lead with autonomy, creativity, and strategic influence
• Supportive environment with scope for long-term personal and professional growth