Travel Designer – Expedition Leader

Role Overview

• Design, plan, and implement once in a lifetime, ultra-luxury travel experiences.
• Full responsibility for all logistics: itineraries, contingencies, safety procedures, permits, sourcing and ownership of all aspects of logistics and costing of trips.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including local officials, private institutions, and notable personalities, to create exclusive travel experiences.
• Establish and manage relationships with destination management companies (DMCs).
• Provide superior customer service & relationship management throughout each trip.
• Supervise all travel logistics (e.g., aviation, accommodation, dining, event planning).
• Liaise with aircraft operators to request proposals, negotiate contracts, streamline operations, confirm flight schedules, and ensure effective ground handling.
• Handle all aspects of hotel bookings (e.g., reservations, invoicing, upgrades, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety protocols by working with relevant resources.
• Assist in the creation and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manage trip budget, ensuring quality experiences while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the procurement and organization of member amenities.
• Execute the trip’s itinerary and programming in line with the pre-planned run-of-show.
• Guarantee overall member experience quality and address any concerns promptly.
• Lead and manage the expedition team.
• Coordinate with DMCs as needed.
• Collaborate with trip physicians to handle any emergencies or evacuations, prioritizing member safety and well-being.
• Manage trip budget, ensuring adherence while managing quality expectations.
• Travel extensively (up to 2-3 weeks at a time) and lead groups on expeditions.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in operations, hospitality, tourism, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the luxury travel industry, particularly in planning and leading expeditions.
• Proven problem-solving skills, an ability to work under pressure, and adaptability to unexpected situations.
• An excellent understanding of the luxury travel market and the ability to meet its specific customer service and detailed demands.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high level of discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information.
• Ability to flex to work schedule in an international environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package in the highest percentile of the industry.
• Merit-based bonus structure.
• Equity opportunity available.
• Highly flexible work environment.
• Ability to work globally.
• Access to our contacts and travel benefits.
• Opportunity to experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences globally alongside our members.