Regional Operations Manager

Regional Operations Manager - Western & Southern Europe About Us G Adventures is the world’s largest small‑group adventure travel company and we’ve been making epic travel memories happen on all seven continents for over 30 years. Our mission is simple: to change lives through travel. And not just our travelers’ either. Since day one, our tours have been built to establish meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places we visit at every step of our tours. With the demand for travel coming back strong, we are set up and excited for this next chapter in our company’s story — and we’d love for you to be a part of it. Our DNA revolves around building, nurturing, and developing a diverse culture of people and a true sense of belonging, where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic self to work each and every day. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, and yourself, alongside a passionate, talented, and welcoming community that works hard to spread goodness around the world. If all that sounds like your kind of thing, well, we can’t wait for you to join us. About The Role The Regional Operations Manager - Western & Southern Europe leads and oversees all operational aspects to ensure seamless delivery of exceptional travel experiences. This role is responsible for managing and developing the Operations team, ensuring traveler safety and satisfaction, maintaining financial & commercial performance and fostering strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and local authorities. It drives innovation, operational efficiency and brand integrity across multiple product lines while supporting strategic growth initiatives. Key Duties & Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development Lead, develop, and manage the regional Operations team to achieve organizational goals. Foster a strong company culture among staff, suppliers, travelers, and the wider community. Promote and integrate G Adventures Core Values across all organizational activities. Facilitate collaboration and innovation through regular training sessions, brainstorming meetings, and coordination with Operations staff, CEOs, and suppliers. Ensure compliance with updated and new local regulations by liaising with local authorities. Represent G Adventures in interactions with local authorities and stakeholders. Collaborate with the CEO Supervisor to support CEOs on‑site effectively. Manage and coordinate Private Groups requests. Coordinate cross‑departmental collaboration to ensure operational alignment with overall company strategy. Mentor and coach team members to support professional development and succession planning. Develop and oversee the emergency phone rota, ensuring appropriate coverage Traveler Management & Safety Oversee end‑to‑end tour logistics including transportation, accommodations, activities and staffing assignments. Oversee the health and safety standards for travelers and tour staff. Monitor and maintain traveler satisfaction, ensuring it meets or exceeds brand targets. Conduct product quality control and resolve complaints efficiently. Provide assistance in Critical Incident Management, including communication and logistical coordination with Customer Solutions, Regional Managers, CEOs, Operations teams, and Toronto Base Camp. Analyze post‑trip evaluations and trends to identify and implement corrective actions in operations. Develop and implement emergency response protocols and conduct regular drills to prepare staff for potential crises. Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to traveler experience and operational efficiency. Participate in the regional emergency phone/after‑hours duty roster and provide timely support for urgent operational or traveler issues. Multi‑Brand Operations & Vendor Management Ensure proper representation of G Adventures and client brands throughout the region, including uniform procurement and distribution. Develop and implement new or updated products in collaboration with Brand Product teams. Oversee the design and optimization of tour schedules to ensure alignment with brand standards and commercial objectives. Lead operational support for new third‑party partnerships. Support commercial initiatives across all brands. Oversee vendor and supplier performance to ensure contractual compliance and quality standards. Lead regular reviews of operational workflows to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements. Support travel style training and regional compliance with operational standards. Financial & Budget Management Identify and implement operational process improvements to increase efficiency, saving staff time and reducing costs. Source and apply savings to non‑contracted services. Manage tour departures within budget constraints. Achieve budgeted gross margins for all tour products. Oversee the accuracy and revalidation of service budgets. Develop and manage regional overhead budgets effectively. Prepare detailed operational reports and forecasts for senior leadership to support decision‑making. Manage risk assessments related to operational expenditures and resource allocation. Commercial Development & Industry Relations Identify and leverage local opportunities for competitive commercial advantages. Support procurement and buying initiatives focused on cost savings. Build and maintain strong industry relationships to enhance the company’s reputation. Participate in relevant travel networks to expand commercial reach. Champion and lead change initiatives aligned with company strategy. Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to align operations with promotional campaigns and seasonal demand. Skills & Experience Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the regional travel industry. Strong understanding of European travel markets. Strong familiarity with regional geography and travel landscape. Hands‑on experience managing multi‑day tours. Supplier & partner management experience. Crisis & incident management. Previous tour leading experience is considered an advantage. Proven experience in a leadership role, including managing, training, and supporting operational staff. Sound decision‑making skills with the ability to exercise good judgment under pressure. Strong problem‑solving abilities. Adaptability in a fast‑paced environment. Proven ability to resolve complaints and solve operational problems effectively. Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail. Effective time management and prioritization abilities. Proficient in computer applications relevant to operations management. Strong Excel / Google Sheets and reporting skills. Fluent in English (additional European languages—French, Spanish, Italian—are a strong plus). Excellent written and verbal communication. Bachelor’s degree. The role is remote and it requires flexibility to work independently from a home office environment. The successful candidate must be based in one of the following European countries within the region of operation: Italy, Portugal, Spain. Must be legally eligible to work in the hiring country. What do we offer you? Competitive salary commensurate with the role Competitive benefits package Birthday day off Vacation time for you to recharge Enhanced Parental Leave Learning and growth opportunities Employee Resource Groups *Applicable based on location* G Adventures is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We consider all qualified applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr