Senior Rugby Tour Specialist

Rugby isn’t just a sport — it’s a force. It’s movement, passion, precision, and the kind of logistics that demand a steady hand and a sharp mind. If you’ve spent years navigating the world of group travel, sports operations and high‑pressure event environments, this role gives you the chance to bring all of that experience together at a senior level.

You’ll shape Rugby travel experiences that are seamless, strategic and commercially strong. This is a role for someone who thrives in complexity, leads with confidence, and knows how to turn operational mastery into unforgettable journeys.

Why this role stands out

You become the operational backbone of Rugby travel – You’ll manage large Rugby groups, major events and intricate itineraries — ensuring every movement is coordinated, every detail is accurate, and every client feels supported.
You help evolve and refine Rugby travel products – You’ll play a key role in keeping product relevant, costed correctly, competitive and aligned with client demand — while helping the team maintain a consistent, high‑quality output.
You lead through capability, not authority – This environment values maturity, calm leadership and the ability to motivate through skill. You’ll guide operations, set standards and help build a team culture rooted in excellence.
You work in a relationship‑driven space – Clients, suppliers, internal teams — you’ll be the person who keeps everything connected. Clear communication, trust and reliability will be your signature.
You drive commercial performance – Margins, budgets, profitability — you’ll have the responsibility and autonomy to ensure Rugby events deliver both exceptional experiences and strong financial results.

What you’ll do

Client Relationships

Deliver service that consistently meets and exceeds expectations.
Offer clients the best available product, pricing and creative solutions.
Build and maintain strong client relationships.
Communicate clearly and professionally with clients and internal teams.
Ensure proposals, costings, presentations and documentation are accurate and delivered on time.
Follow up on leads and uphold minimum service standards.

Technical Skills

Manage large Rugby groups and events with precision.
Work within turnaround times and client specifications.
Execute confidently on Tourplan and Zoho.
Understand customer needs, internal policies and product requirements.
Prepare accurate costings and packaged products.
Oversee full documentation management: itineraries, contracting, vouchers, rooming lists, recon, filing.
Improve margins and drive commercial performance.
Lead the operations team through positive intervention and strong customer care.
Handle complaints professionally and solve problems proactively.
Consistently exceed customer expectations.

Event & Project Management

Manage full delivery of Rugby events and projects end‑to‑end.
Identify key activities aligned with Sports & Events strategies.
Implement operations plans in line with budgets and business goals.
Ensure client satisfaction and retention.
Set and manage performance targets for the operations team.
Motivate staff and lead by example through skill and professionalism.
Maintain knowledge of policies, procedures and relevant regulations.
Drive operations goals and maintain overall budget profitability.
Work closely with the GM to implement policies, systems and procedures.
Report weekly/monthly on operations performance.
Manage logistics and delivery for Rugby groups and events.
Support sustainable growth by securing and nurturing customer relationships.

Qualifications & Expertise

Matric / Grade 12.
Minimum 15 years travel industry experience.
Strong understanding of Sports Operations.
Proven experience coordinating domestic and international group travel, incentives and events.
Experience travelling with groups (outbound, domestic, inbound).
Ticketing experience with complex routings — Amadeus essential.
Strong MS Office skills.
Strong product knowledge.
Tourplan experience preferred.

Competencies

Mature, professional approach to people and relationships.
Confidentiality, tact and discretion.
Excellent planning, decision‑making and conflict resolution skills.
Strong verbal and written communication.
Integrity, honesty and reliability.
Project management and problem‑solving ability.
Strong negotiation and liaison skills.
Research, organisational and presentation capability.
High attention to detail.
Ability to work long hours and weekends when required.
Ability to achieve annual sales targets and drive business growth.
Ability to manage client expectations and multi‑task across multiple projects.

Salary

Competitive and based on relevant experience.

If Rugby travel is your arena — and you’re ready to lead at a senior level — we’d love to meet you.