Senior Cricket Travel Specialist

About My Client

My client is an established travel management and events organisation specialising in complex group travel, sporting tours, incentives and event-related programmes.

The business coordinates domestic and international travel arrangements for a diverse client base and is recognised for its detailed planning, dependable service and strong industry relationships. It offers a professional, people-focused environment where experienced travel specialists are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas and deliver exceptional client experiences.

Position Overview

My client is seeking an accomplished Senior Cricket Specialist to manage the end-to-end delivery of cricket travel groups and related events.

This position requires a highly experienced travel professional who can manage complex group arrangements, develop relevant travel products, prepare accurate costings and ensure that every programme is delivered on time, within budget and to an excellent standard.

The successful candidate will manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain strong client relationships, support the operations team and contribute towards the achievement of agreed revenue, margin and business growth targets.

This is a hands-on position suited to someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, travelling with groups when required and remaining available during major events or operationally demanding periods.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Client and Stakeholder Relationships

• Develop trusted relationships with new and existing clients.
  
• Gain a clear understanding of each client’s requirements and recommend suitable travel and event solutions.
  
• Ensure clients receive competitive pricing without compromising service quality.
  
• Present creative travel products that are relevant to the client’s needs and current market demand.
  
• Maintain regular and professional communication with clients, colleagues, suppliers and other stakeholders.
  
• Follow up consistently on enquiries, proposals and potential sales opportunities.
  
• Manage client concerns and complaints professionally, taking ownership until an appropriate resolution is reached.
  
• Ensure that all correspondence, presentations, proposals and supporting documents are accurate and submitted within the required timeframes.
  

Cricket Travel, Groups and Event Delivery

• Manage the complete operational delivery of domestic and international cricket travel groups, incentives and events.
  
• Develop detailed itineraries based on the requirements of each group or event.
  
• Coordinate accommodation, transport, flights, ticketing, activities and other travel-related arrangements.
  
• Manage supplier contracting and confirm that all services are booked accurately.
  
• Prepare and maintain vouchers, rooming lists, travel documentation and group files.
  
• Oversee the delivery and logistics of each programme from the initial planning stage through to final reconciliation.
  
• Identify important activities, dependencies and deadlines and incorporate them into a clear operational plan.
  
• Monitor all arrangements closely and intervene early when timing, service, budget or client expectations may be at risk.
  
• Travel with groups when required and provide support throughout the programme.
  
• Ensure that the customer experience consistently meets or exceeds the agreed service standards.
  

Costing and Commercial Performance

• Prepare comprehensive quotation sheets and detailed costings.
  
• Ensure that proposals remain commercially competitive while protecting the required profit margin.
  
• Monitor turnover, margins, budgets and the overall profitability of each project.
  
• Identify opportunities to improve margins without negatively affecting the client experience.
  
• Complete accurate financial reconciliations once groups and events have concluded.
  
• Contribute towards the achievement of annual sales, revenue and business growth targets.
  

Product Development

• Assist with the development of relevant cricket travel products and packages.
  
• Review existing products regularly to ensure they remain current, correctly costed and aligned with client demand.
  
• Research destinations, suppliers, activities and emerging travel opportunities.
  
• Recommend new product ideas based on market trends and client feedback.
  
• Work closely with the sales and operations teams to develop commercially viable travel solutions.
  

Operational Leadership

• Provide practical guidance and support to the operations team.
  
• Set clear performance expectations and monitor delivery against agreed standards.
  
• Encourage accountability, teamwork and professional conduct.
  
• Lead by example and assist the team in resolving operational challenges.
  
• Work closely with senior management to implement appropriate policies, procedures and systems.
  
• Maintain a working understanding of relevant travel requirements, company policies and government regulations.
  
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports covering operational performance, service delivery and commercial results.
  
• Support client retention and sustainable business growth in collaboration with the sales team.
  

Systems and Administration

• Use Tourplan or similar travel technology to manage quotations, bookings and operational information.
  
• Maintain accurate client and project information on the applicable CRM system.
  
• Ensure that all travel documentation and electronic records are complete, accurate and properly filed.
  
• Make effective use of Microsoft Office when preparing costings, proposals, presentations, reports and travel documents.
  
• Complete all required administration within the agreed turnaround times.
  

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Matric or Grade 12 is essential.
  
• A minimum of 15 years’ experience within the travel industry.
  
• A strong practical understanding of sports travel operations.
  
• Proven experience managing large sporting groups and complex events.
  
• Extensive experience coordinating domestic and international group travel, incentives and events.
  
• Previous experience accompanying outbound, inbound or domestic groups.
  
• Complex air-ticketing and routing experience.
  
• Working knowledge of Amadeus is required.
  
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
  
• Excellent destination and travel product knowledge.
  
• Tourplan experience is highly advantageous.
  
• Experience working with CRM systems would be beneficial.
  
• Willingness to travel when required.
  
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends when operationally necessary.
  

Key Competencies

• Mature and professional approach.
  
• Excellent planning and organisational ability.
  
• Strong decision-making skills.
  
• Clear verbal and written communication.
  
• Confidentiality, tact and discretion.
  
• Effective conflict-resolution skills.
  
• Strong problem-solving ability.
  
• Project-management capability.
  
• Commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
  
• Strong research and presentation skills.
  
• Exceptional attention to detail.
  
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
  
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
  
• Integrity, honesty and accountability.
  
• Strong focus on client service and relationship management.
  
• Ability to achieve sales, margin and business growth targets.
  

Benefits

Company Benefits

The successful candidate will have access to a range of company benefits, subject to the employer’s applicable policies, scheme rules and eligibility requirements:

• Medical aid.
  
• Provident fund.
  
• Death, funeral and disability cover.
  
• Employee wellness assistance programme.
  
• Fitness and broader wellness initiatives.
  
• In-house subsidised coffee shop.
  
• Staff discount programme with participating retail partners.
  
• Learning and development opportunities.
  
• Access to an online learning platform.
  
• Bursary programme for eligible staff dependants.
  
• Accessible leadership and an open-door culture.
  
• Mentorship and career guidance.
  

Remuneration

A competitive, market-related basic salary will be offered based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience. Commission becomes payable once the agreed target has been achieved.

Only candidates who meet the essential requirements will be considered.