Regional Operations Manager

About Us

G Adventures is a leading small group travel company dedicated to transformative travel experiences that prioritize meaningful engagement with the world. For over 35 years, we have avoided generic tours in favor of authentic journeys that promote environmental and cultural respect. We foster a workplace culture that celebrates individuality and inclusivity, empowering our team to contribute their true selves every day.

Role Overview

The Regional Operations Manager for Oceania plays a key leadership role in overseeing the delivery of tour programs across the region. This multifaceted position involves leading a diverse team, managing supplier relations, ensuring compliance, and driving sustainable growth and operational excellence. The manager works collaboratively to safeguard quality and safety standards while implementing continuous improvements that align with company values.

Responsibilities

• Lead enhancements to operational and administrative workflows across regional operations, suppliers, and shared services.
• Coordinate with Product and Strategic Operations teams to optimize product lines and inventory for profitability and efficiency.
• Manage forecasting, budgeting, and monitoring of regional overhead expenses.
• Contribute to strategic destination management including product mix, quality oversight, and supplier selection.
• Develop and implement regional staffing strategies across operations and supporting functions.
• Collaborate to maintain trip budgets and identify cost-saving measures alongside the Buying team.
• Manage supplier selection, vetting, and training in partnership with Buying.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and Destination Management Companies (DMC), ensuring consistent communication and service quality.
• Travel regionally to perform supplier and hotel inspections, industry engagement, and monitor emerging trends.
• Promote the company’s presence and brand awareness through active participation in local tourism organizations and committees.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards internally and in representation of any third-party wholesaler brands.
• Maintain fluid communication and cooperation among regional operations, shared services, and internal stakeholders, regularly reviewing workflows and processes.
• Lead and support a remote team of office staff and tour guides, cultivating a culture of respect, trust, and accountability.
• Oversee training programs to build leadership and operational capabilities among staff and local operators to support rapid growth.
• Promote company culture and values across employees, suppliers, and tour personnel, enhancing engagement and community tourism alignment.
• Ensure consistent customer experience through travel style training initiatives.
• Analyze traveler feedback to detect trends and initiate improvements to enhance tour quality and value.
• Champion adoption of new systems and initiatives in a fast-evolving global business environment.
• Monitor competitors and regional operators for innovation opportunities applicable to tours.
• Lead efforts to uphold and improve safety and quality standards for tours, vehicles, and accommodations involving tour staff and suppliers.
• Take an active role in managing critical incidents and emergencies, coordinating communication across stakeholders.
• Support contingency planning and manage on-tour disruption adjustments.
• Ensure timely and consistent incident reporting from staff and suppliers for operational transparency and safety.
• Maintain strict compliance with laws, regulations, welfare policies, and community tourism standards concerning tour operations.
• Manage the emergency phone roster to fairly distribute after-hours responsibilities and act as an escalation contact on a shared basis.
• Collaborate with the Product team to verify the accuracy and completeness of trip content, staff resources, and marketing materials.
• Monitor and manage communication channels like passenger feedback and regional correspondence to resolve issues promptly.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in the travel industry, including extensive travel within the Oceania region.
• Minimum 2 years in a leadership role focused on operations management.
• Desirable experience in new product development and supplier negotiations.
• Proven ability to design and implement systems improving operational efficiency.
• Strong office administration, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working with multiple software platforms and tools.
• Capability to effectively manage crises ensuring safety and welfare of others.
• Demonstrated skills in training, mentoring, and leading teams.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and ability to handle complex customer issues.
• Proficient in stakeholder engagement across geographically and culturally diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management abilities.
• Knowledgeable about relevant laws and regulations concerning employment, passenger transport, and national parks visitation.
• Legal right to work in Australia or New Zealand.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive Total Rewards package including exclusive travel benefits.
• Additional leave days such as a birthday holiday.
• Ample vacation time to recharge.
• Enhanced parental leave options.
• Meaningful employee recognition programs.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Access to employee resource groups.

Additional Information

The position welcomes applications primarily from Australia (especially Brisbane) or New Zealand (Christchurch/Auckland), though candidates outside these regions are encouraged to apply if qualified.

Artificial intelligence tools may aid in organizing application information but are not involved in hiring decisions, which rest solely with the recruitment team.

G Adventures is committed to equal opportunity employment and embraces diversity and inclusion.