Buyer/Purchasing Specialist -Adventure Travel

Want to work in travel as part of the world’s best team? Classic Journeys is an award-winning luxury walking tour company that operates tours worldwide. Travel \+ Leisure magazine has named us the World’s Best Tour Operator in its annual World’s Best Awards in 2019 and 2014, and top ten for more than two decades. Founded in 1995, we offer more than 50 itineraries in 40 countries on six continents and are part of the Lindblad Expeditions collection of world-class adventure companies.

Do you love building relationships with vendors around the world? Do you feel great securing contracts with “must visit” hotels, attractions, and restaurants? If so, you may have just found the perfect company for you. We’re seeking someone who has top-notch negotiation and computer skills, as well as an inherent desire to foster first-class relationships. (Not required, but bonus points for you and us if you have lived abroad or have solid travel experience.)

This is a US-based remote/work-from-home position. Applicants must be based in the US.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the vendor contracting process, in line with financial and quality-based targets. Must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of legal terms and conditions and be comfortable reviewing insurance details.
• Strong relationship management skills within the travel industry are a necessity.
• Full responsibility for system audit and maintenance of all vendor-related documentation – must be a competent Salesforce user.
• Assist with the strategic planning of inventory and growth. Able to identify and analyze contractual trends and opportunities.
• Negotiating with and contracting all vendors (primarily hoteliers, restaurants, and transportation companies) in 40 countries around the world.
• Build strong relationships with our colleagues, domestically and internationally, in order to secure long-term, best value for our guests.
• Maintain up-to-date information on all contracted suppliers in Salesforce/our company software systems.
• Collaborate with and manage team members to complete projects and meet deadlines, including Operations, Sales, Guest Services, Marketing, and other members of our team.
• High energy, fearless attitude with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
• Proven ability to influence change with internal and external stakeholders.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

The assets you need to be a Tour Purchasing Specialist

• Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 5\+ years of experience in contract management, relationship management, or related field.
• Influential communication skills with a mastery of finding the win-win in a negotiation
• Self-starter with exceptional organizational skills, along with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines/targets
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills – with an unrelenting pursuit of excellence
• Experience in managing and building budgets
• Ability to manage and lead other team members to complete projects and meet deadlines
• Process-driven, with an understanding of tour cycle timelines
• Proven ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of Salesforce is a plus
• Love of all things travel
• This role does not require any foreign language ability to succeed, but if you have foreign language ability, you will have the opportunity to utilize it.

Wages \& Benefits

$70,000 \+ bonus potential \+ excellent benefits

Our generous benefits package includes:

· Medical Insurance

· Dental Insurance

· Vision Insurance

· 401K with company match

· Paid Holidays

· PTO (112 hours per year)

· Travel Benefits and Discounts on Travel

At Classic Journeys, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Classic Journeys is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Classic Journeys are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.