POSITION OVERVIEW

You are a highly self-motivated and experienced product manager with the skills to develop innovative and creative experiences whilst driving the product and prices to maintain a competitive edge within the sector. You are a strategically minded opportunist, with a clear understanding of the A&K demographic, including the various personas within the source markets of our clientele.

You will be required to lead the product department within the Ho Chi Minh City office and be able to efficiently and effectively work with suppliers and partners throughout the region; face to face, via email and phone. The role requires frequent regional travel to research and develop new product, monitor and update existing product and met with new and existing suppliers.

You must have a clear understanding of the travel industry, the distribution channels and pose exceptionally strong communication and negotiation skills.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Product Management

• Manage and execute the product development strategy for A&K Vietnam
• Source and develop innovative and exclusive FIT and Group product
• Continuously review and improve all product to deliver the very best experiences for A&K clients
• Negotiate preferred and improved contracts and amenities with suppliers throughout Vietnam to ensure that all existing and new product is delivered with the most competitive price
• Negotiate and develop exclusive high-end travel offers (hotels, cruises, and tours) with exceptional discounts on a regular basis with the support of the Country Manager Vietnam
• In conjunction with the Country Manager and Regional Managing Director, develop the brochure programs
• Oversee and manage the quotation and hotel allotment of the brochure programs
• Oversee and manage the annual tariff for Vietnam for distribution to travel partners
• In conjunction with the Country Manager, support, manage and implement the development of FAM trips
• In conjunction with the Country Manager, support, manage and implement the development of internal staff development and inspection trips
• Manage and maintain the Standard Operational Procedures for the Product department

Operations

• Understand and manage the daily use and maintenance of Travel Studio within the product department; ensuring prompt product loading, including specials and promotions and the integrity of the data loaded
• Maintain and keep abreast of product quality and supplier strategies through regular meetings and inspections with complete reports
• Evaluate and review logistics of existing and new product
• Manage and conduct regular in-house sales staff training on new product development, and existing product updates
• Develop and maintain training manuals
• Ensure supplier data, contacts and contracts are received in a timely manner and stored accurately and updated regularly on the server and in Travel Studio

Research and Development

• Gather and analyse feedback from sales, marketing, reservation and guest questionnaires to further develop and amend the product as required
• Research new and unique product ideas to match the company product development strategy
• Frequent travel within Vietnam to explore and experience new product, hotels, and tours
• Meet with suppliers, venues and partners as necessary
• Complete and distribute internally inspection reports after each trip including updating tour and training modules for sales and reservations staff
• In conjunction with the Communications Manager, write tour descriptions and sample itineraries
• Review and analyse Guest Questionnaires; debriefing with the Operations team and guides to proactively make change and development
• Evaluate market competition and position the product line so that it appeals to A&K clients and consumers
• Remain up to date with competitor pricing
• Become an expert on other products in the marketplace

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as Product Manager within the Travel and Tourism Industry (preferable Inbound Tour Operator and Destination Management sectors)
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong negotiation skills
• Financial awareness including business acumen and profit awareness
• Ability to be creative, strategic, analytical, and think outside the box to solve problems
• High level understanding of operational and logistical tactics
• Presentation and public speaking skills
• Decisiveness, tough-mindedness and assertiveness
• Ability to manage personnel
• Excellent knowledge of project management and information analysis
• Good command of written and spoken English
• High levels of verbal and written Communication skills
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills
• University Degree (or minimum 5 years management experience)

DESIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Expertise in Travel Studio or other similar travel industry software preferred but not a requirement
• Willingness to work extra hours, if necessary
• Flexibility to frequently travel regional and globally
• Positive attitude, motivated, well organized and ambitious
• Ability to work under pressure

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send a cover letter with full resume indicating qualifications, experience, and expected salary to Ms Lan Nguyen email: lan@abercrombiekent.com

Salary will be based on previous professional experience