The Head of Trip Development plays a pivotal role in overseeing and integrating all aspects of our trip development process. You manage and advise the Trip Development team (Client Engagement Directors, Trip Development Managers, and Trip Support Contractors) ensuring seamless trip execution from planning through delivery. As the Head of Trip Development, you provide day-to-day leadership and ensure adherence to standards and policies for Trip Development and Field Operations. This role also serves as an expert on global locations and trip elements and can provide suggestions and options as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management:
Provide day-to-day leadership and coaching to the Trip Development team.
Supervise and provide strategic direction to the Client Engagement Directors, Trip Development Managers, and Traveler Experience & Communication Manager.
Foster collaboration and effective communication among the team to ensure seamless operations.
Assign workloads across project teams to balance resources and ensure project success.
Collaborate with the Head of People Operations to ensure staffing needs are met and support is provided.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for Trip Development Team that align with company goals and expectations.
Advise and participate (when appropriate) with client relationship building and mentor staff to navigate appropriately.
Trip Development Oversight:
Serve as a knowledgeable resource for industry standards and practice and creative problem solving overseeing the entire trip development process, including RFPs, vendor selection, itinerary curation, inventory management, supplier negotiations, contracting, and pricing.
Ensure the success of the trip development process from initial planning through execution. Set standards, policies, and procedures for how Iconic operates trips in the field and for designing and developing itineraries.
Ensure trip designs, logistics, and customer interactions meet high-quality standards and company goals
Review budgets and maintain accurate financial tracking records for each trip.
Strategic Planning and Execution:
Develop and refine the trip development process, new development strategy, trip pricing, and management to maintain leadership in the immersive travel space.
Develop and implement strategies to improve trip operations and achieve operational excellence.
Work with the CEO and Head of Strategy and Growth to align operational performance with company objectives and strategic direction.
What you will bring to the table:
Bachelor's Degree
10+ years of progressive experience within the Travel/Adventure Industry.
Personal expertise with global adventure and/or affinity travel, including adventure, expedition, budget, and luxury modes.
A strong knowledge of program/event management and full-budget lifecycles.
Ability to communicate and foster relationships with all levels of business partners.
Excellent communication and highly developed negotiation skills.
Able to work well with cross-functional team members.
Ability to establish trust and inspire others.
Ability to interact effectively with clients, operators, and guides.
Ability to work effectively in both an office environment as well as remotely, and to work flexible hours including evenings or weekends when requested.
Are relentless in producing quality results.
Exceptional leadership of people and projects.
What we will bring to the table:
A dynamic, fast-paced learning environment.
A chance to be a part of a growing company building a niche for itself within luxury.
A competitive package.
The opportunity to travel - on us.
A flexible work environment based on tasks and not time in the office.
A path to growing your career in the travel industry.
Excellent benefits to all full-time employees including: Competitive health, short-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan, unlimited PTO, and remote work flexibility.
COMPENSATION
Compensation commensurate with experience. 2025 starting salary range: $105,000 - $135,000. This is a full-time, exempt position.
How to Apply:
If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and two references (including contact information) to hiring@iconicadventures.com with the subject line: Head of Trip Development.
Due to the holiday, Iconic will start notifying candidates for initial phone screens the week of January 6th.
The Iconic Travel Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.