Travel Operations Manager Educational and Event Tourism …, Melbourne

**Role summary**

Join Student Educational Experiences and turn travel into life-changing learning. Lead Australia-based operations for a fast-moving education and MICE travel business, designing curriculum-aligned programs, safeguarding student wellbeing, and delivering large-group events and study tours across Southeast Asia. This hands-on leadership role combines strategic oversight in Melbourne with targeted in-region travel for audits and program delivery.

**What you will do**
- Act as the Australia-based lead for schools, universities and guardians; present programs and run pre-trip briefings.
- Design and finalise curriculum-aligned itineraries, teacher resources and student learning activities.
- Build and maintain client relationships to drive retention and growth: meet with teachers, school leaders and parents to present programs, gather feedback and secure repeat bookings.
- Prepare and approve program budgets, manage invoicing and financial reporting.
- Plan and coordinate group travel logistics including visas, transport, accommodation, meals and special needs.
- Source, negotiate and manage supplier contracts, conduct supplier audits and quality assurance.
- Oversee bookings and reservations systems and maintain accurate records.
- Prepare and sign off risk assessments, child safety plans, OHS documentation and emergency procedures to Australian standards.
- Lead incident escalation and coordinate responses with in-country teams, insurers, parents and Australian authorities.
- Recruit, train and supervise in-country coordinators and contractors, develop SOPs and training modules.
- Provide managerial oversight in marketing and business development by providing program content and pricing inputs, selecting and managing suppliers.
- Travel as required for supplier audits, contract negotiations and operational leadership; return to Melbourne for strategic, financial and compliance duties.

**Who we are looking for**
- Over 5 years’ experience managing business operations in student group or large-group travel, preferably outbound from Australia to Asia.
- Experience with schools, universities or youth groups and with conference or event travel.
- Professional fluency in English, proficiency in an Asian language is highly regarded.
- Demonstrated curriculum design, risk and child safety experience and supplier/contract management.
- Experience in recruiting, training and supervising teams across borders and managing program budgets.

**Desirable skills**
- Degree in Tourism, Education, Business or related field.
- GDS experience (Sabre preferred).
- First Aid or risk management qualification.
- Event MICE experience with large-group logistics and contingency planning.

**Why join us**

Make a real difference in young people’s lives while building a career in a creative, mission-driven team. Work from Melbourne with meaningful travel to Southeast Asia, robust support from a regional partner, and opportunities to shape program growth and quality.

**How to apply**

Pay: $80,000.00
- $90,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3pubon