Senior Rugby Specialist
Sandton, South Africa · Permanent · Specialist Services
Senior Rugby Specialist PERMANENT APPOINTMENT Location: Sandton, Gauteng or Cape Town Starting Date: As soon as possible Employment Type: Permanent Remuneration: Market-related salary + commission after target About My Client My client is a well-established travel management organisation with a strong presence in specialist sports travel, group movements and event delivery. The business coordinates complex domestic and international programmes for corporate, leisure and sporting clients and is known for dependable service, detailed planning and long-standing industry relationships. The organisation offers an energetic, people-focused environment in which experienced travel professionals can take ownership, contribute ideas and help deliver memorable client experiences. Position Overview The Senior Rugby Specialist will take responsibility for the end-to-end coordination of high-volume sports groups and events. The role requires an experienced travel professional who can combine excellent client service with accurate costings, strong commercial judgement and disciplined operational delivery. The successful candidate will manage multiple projects at once, develop relevant travel products, support operational teams and ensure that every itinerary, proposal and event is delivered on time, within budget and to a consistently high standard. The position also carries responsibility for agreed revenue, margin and growth targets. This position suits a hands-on specialist who is comfortable leading from the front, travelling with groups when required and resolving challenges calmly in a fast-moving environment. Key Responsibilities Client and Stakeholder Relationships Build trusted relationships with new and existing clients while maintaining regular, professional communication. Translate client briefs into practical, competitively priced travel and event solutions. Present creative options that reflect current demand, destination knowledge and the needs of each group. Follow up consistently on proposals, enquiries and sales leads. Manage concerns and complaints professionally, taking ownership until an appropriate solution is reached. Ensure all proposals, presentations, costings and supporting documents are accurate and submitted by the required deadline. Sports Travel, Groups and Event Delivery Oversee the complete delivery of domestic and international sports groups, incentives and events. Develop detailed itineraries and manage supplier contracting, vouchers, rooming lists, filing and post-event reconciliation. Coordinate group logistics, accommodation, transport, ticketing and event-related arrangements. Identify critical activities, dependencies and deadlines, then convert them into clear operational plans. Monitor each programme closely and intervene early where timing, service, budget or client expectations may be at risk. Accompany groups when required and remain available during high-pressure operational periods. Commercial Performance and Product Development Prepare detailed quotation sheets and costings that protect profitability while remaining competitive. Track turnover, margin, budget performance and the commercial success of each project. Identify practical opportunities to improve margins without compromising the customer experience. Keep existing products current, accurately costed and aligned with market demand. Contribute new product ideas and work closely with sales colleagues to retain clients and support sustainable growth. Operational Leadership and Reporting Guide the operations team through clear direction, constructive support and hands-on problem solving. Set measurable performance standards and monitor delivery against agreed goals. Promote accountability, collaboration and consistently professional working practices. Work closely with senior management to implement relevant systems, policies and procedures. Maintain awareness of applicable travel requirements, operating policies and government regulations. Prepare concise weekly and monthly performance reports covering operations, service delivery and commercial results. Use Tourplan or comparable travel technology, together with CRM and Microsoft Office tools, to maintain accurate records and efficient workflows. Candidate Profile Minimum Requirements Matric / Grade 12 is essential. A minimum of 15 years' experience within the travel industry. Strong, practical understanding of sports travel operations. Proven experience managing large sports groups and complex events. Extensive involvement in domestic and international group travel, incentives and event coordination. Previous experience travelling with outbound, inbound or domestic groups. Complex air-ticketing and routing experience, with working knowledge of Amadeus. Strong Microsoft Office skills and sound destination and travel product knowledge. Tourplan experience is highly advantageous; confidence working with CRM platforms is also preferred. Willingness to travel and work extended hours or weekends when operationally required. Key Competencies Mature and professional approach Excellent planning and sound judgement Clear verbal and written communication Confidentiality, tact and discretion Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution Commercial awareness and negotiation ability Project management and organisation Accurate, detail-focused working style Ability to manage several projects concurrently Resilience and calm under pressure Integrity, accountability and client focus Ability to meet sales, margin and growth targets Company Benefits 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, including access to an online learning hub Bursary programme for eligible staff dependants Accessible leadership and an open-door culture Mentorship and career guidance Remuneration: A competitive, market-related basic salary is offered, based on relevant experience. Commission becomes payable once the agreed target has been achieved. Please note: Only applicants who meet the essential criteria will be considered. Benefits are governed by the employer's applicable scheme rules, policies and eligibility requirements.