Operations Specialist

Company: Tiernan Travel

Department: OperationsReporting to: Operations Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Ireland OR UK only (fully remote)About Tiernan TravelTiernan Travel is a boutique luxury Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in bespoke travel experiences throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.We work exclusively with travel advisors, predominantly from North America, designing and delivering exceptional tailor-made itineraries for discerning travellers, families and small private groups.With over 10 years of experience and offices in the UK and Ireland, we are a growing business built on strong relationships, genuine destination knowledge and a commitment to outstanding service.We are a close-knit, ambitious team who take pride in the details and believe that exceptional travel experiences are created through thoughtful planning, excellent communication and reliable execution.About the RoleWe are looking for a highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented Operations Specialist to join our growing team.This is an important role within Tiernan Travel, responsible for managing the operational delivery of confirmed luxury itineraries across the UK and Ireland.Working closely with our Travel Design team, the Operations Specialist will take ownership of bookings once they have been confirmed, ensuring that all arrangements are secured, accurately documented and delivered to the highest standard.From liaising with luxury hotels and private guides to coordinating transfers, experiences and special requests, you will play a key role in ensuring our clients enjoy a seamless travel experience.We are looking for someone who enjoys problem-solving, takes ownership of their work and understands that the smallest details can make the biggest difference.Key Responsibilities1.

Booking Management & OperationsTake ownership of confirmed bookings following handover from the Travel Design team.Review itineraries thoroughly to ensure all services, dates, timings and arrangements are accurate.Confirm and manage reservations with hotels, chauffeur companies, private guides, experience providers and other suppliers.Maintain accurate booking records, confirmations and supplier correspondence.Monitor booking deadlines, payment schedules, cancellation terms and supplier requirements.Coordinate itinerary amendments and additional arrangements as required.Ensure all services are fully confirmed and operationally ready ahead of client arrival.2. Supplier Relationships & CoordinationBuild and maintain excellent working relationships with our supplier partners throughout the UK and Ireland.Communicate professionally and efficiently with luxury hotels, transport providers, guides and experience suppliers.Negotiate and resolve operational matters where necessary.Monitor supplier performance and ensure service standards are consistently maintained.Identify potential supplier issues and take proactive steps to resolve them.Support the development of our supplier network by sharing feedback and recommendations with management.3. Travel Documentation & Quality ControlPrepare and review final travel documentation, ensuring all information is accurate, clear and professionally presented.Cross-check supplier confirmations against the client's itinerary.Verify important operational details, including collection points, transfer timings, hotel arrangements and activity schedules.Ensure special requests, dietary requirements, accessibility needs and other relevant client information are communicated to the appropriate suppliers.Maintain accurate information within our internal systems.Carry out final quality checks before travel documentation is released.4. Client Experience & On-the-Ground SupportSupport the smooth delivery of itineraries while clients are travelling.Respond promptly and professionally to operational enquiries from travel advisors and suppliers.Assist with last-minute changes, unexpected disruptions and service-related issues.Work closely with colleagues to resolve problems efficiently and minimise disruption to the client experience.Participate in the company's emergency support arrangements where required and agreed.Ensure that travel advisors are kept appropriately informed of any significant operational changes.5. Financial & Administrative AccuracyReview supplier invoices and ensure charges correspond with agreed rates and confirmed services.Monitor supplier payment deadlines and communicate requirements to the relevant team members.Identify discrepancies in pricing, invoices or booking arrangements.Maintain accurate financial and operational records.Support the Operations Manager with cost control and the resolution of supplier-related financial queries.6. Teamwork & Continuous ImprovementWork collaboratively with the Travel Design and Operations teams to ensure seamless handovers.Maintain clear and timely communication with colleagues.Manage multiple bookings and competing deadlines effectively.Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, efficiency and service delivery.Contribute positively to a supportive, professional and solution-focused working environment.Skills & ExperienceEssentialPrevious experience in travel operations, luxury hospitality, a DMC, tour operator or a similar service-focused environment.Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple bookings, deadlines and priorities simultaneously.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.Confidence in communicating with suppliers and resolving operational issues.Good geographical knowledge of the UK and Ireland, or a willingness to develop this quickly.Strong computer literacy and confidence using booking platforms and administrative systems.A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility for assigned bookings.DesirableExperience working within a luxury inbound DMC.Familiarity with bespoke FIT itineraries and private touring arrangements.Existing knowledge of luxury hotels, chauffeur services, private guides and experience providers across the UK and Ireland.Experience using Tripcreator, CRM systems or similar travel management platforms.Experience working with North American travel advisors or international travel markets.Previous involvement in handling operational emergencies or complex itinerary amendments.Personal AttributesWe believe personality and attitude are just as important as experience.Our ideal candidate will be:Exceptionally organised, with a natural eye for detail.Proactive rather than reactive, anticipating potential problems before they arise.Calm, resourceful and solutions-focused.Comfortable taking ownership and making informed decisions.Professional, approachable and confident when communicating with suppliers and colleagues.Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.Genuinely passionate about travel, hospitality and delivering excellent service.A team player who understands the importance of supporting colleagues during busy periods.Above all, we are looking for someone who genuinely cares about the quality of their work and takes pride in delivering an exceptional experience.What Success Looks LikeA successful Operations Specialist at Tiernan Travel will:Consistently deliver accurate, well-organised and fully confirmed travel arrangements.Manage their allocated bookings independently and efficiently.Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and colleagues.Identify and resolve potential operational issues before they affect the client.Ensure final documentation is accurate and delivered within company deadlines.Demonstrate sound judgement, accountability and attention to detail.Contribute to improving the efficiency and overall quality of our Operations department.Why Join Tiernan Travel?We are a growing, independently owned luxury travel company with ambitious plans for the future.Joining Tiernan Travel means becoming part of a team where your contribution matters, your ideas are welcomed and your work has a direct impact on the experiences we deliver.We offer the opportunity to work with some of the finest hotels, guides and experience providers across the UK and Ireland, develop your destination expertise and grow professionally alongside the business.We take our work seriously, but we also believe in maintaining a friendly, supportive environment where people enjoy what they do.If you are passionate about travel, thrive on organisation and problem-solving, and enjoy making things happen behind the scenes, we would love to hear from you.