Academic Field Trips and Venue Find Consultant

TL;DR

Academic Field Trips and Venue Find Consultant: Managing educational field trip enquiries for students and academics, coordinating complex group bookings including flights, rail, accommodation, coaches and tours during peak season (September–April), with venue find and group accommodation support outside peak. Focus on negotiating rates, building supplier relationships, and delivering proposals within SLAs while achieving KPIs.

Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Company

Global multi award-winning business travel company delivering hassle-free travel management through cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service, part of The Portman Travel Group with over 800 industry experts.

What you will do

• Manage and deliver academic field trip enquiries during peak academic periods (September–April).
• Coordinate large, multi-component group bookings from enquiry to delivery.
• Support venue find activity for conferences, events, and group accommodation outside peak season.
• Work with Sales and Account Management to grow academic business and client relationships.
• Build relationships with academic and venue suppliers, negotiate rates, terms, and contracts.
• Deliver proposals within SLAs, contribute to process improvements, and achieve KPIs.

Requirements

• Experience in group travel, field trips, or complex group bookings.
• Strong logistical coordination and organisational skills.
• Commercial hotel, contracting, and negotiation experience.
• Understanding of academic sector and travel operations.
• Knowledge of booking financials and commercial practices.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Mon–Fri, 37.5 hours in Manchester office.
• Generous holiday entitlement plus day off for birthday.
• Refer-a-friend £1000 bonus (unlimited).
• Staff awards, hotel/airline discounts, Employee Assistance Programme.
• Bright, energetic, fast-paced, rewarding culture focused on diversity and inclusion.