Product Manager - Tourism Industry

Introduction

We are currently recruiting for a Product Manager for a busy Tour Operator in Milnerton, Cape Town.

As the Product Manager, you’ll shape, grow, and optimise a high-performing African travel product portfolio. You will manage supplier partnerships, introduce new destinations, refine existing offerings, and ensure internal teams have the information, tools, and support they need to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This position calls for someone proactive, organised, collaborative, and passionate about African travel and safari experiences

Duties & Responsibilities

Product & Team Management

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• Develop and maintain a strong, competitive African travel product portfolio.

• Support Sales and Support teams with accurate destination updates, supplier information, and product insights.

• Lead the launch and operationalisation of new African travel products, routes, and destinations across systems.

• Maintain updated training materials and ensure teams understand new product changes, supplier processes, and booking platforms.

• Manage and mentor Product Coordinators to ensure smooth execution of fam trips, site inspections, trade shows, and internal travel projects.

• Identify knowledge gaps and help refine internal product processes for efficiency and accuracy.

Supplier Relationship Management

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• Build and maintain long-term relationships with lodges, camps, tour operators, DMCs, and suppliers across Southern Africa and East Africa.

• Conduct supplier meetings to review performance, negotiate solutions, and gather market insights on tourism trends, pricing shifts, and competitor activity.

• Represent the business at tourism trade shows, networking events, and supplier workshops.

• Oversee the onboarding of new suppliers and ensure seamless integration into internal systems.

• Increase visibility of preferred suppliers through internal communication, product training, and digital content support.

Product & Destination Development

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• Research emerging African destinations, travel trends, and new tourism partners to strengthen product offerings.

• Evaluate market opportunities and identify which regions, properties, or experiences should be prioritised.

• Work with Sales, Support, and Marketing teams to ensure new destinations are correctly promoted and understood internally.

• Ensure all destination content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with guest expectations.

Reporting & Insights

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• Produce ongoing reporting on supplier performance, escalation trends, booking issues, and product opportunities.

• Track and record supplier disruptions such as seasonal closures, stop sales, and operational issues.

• Identify inefficiencies in product or supplier workflows and recommend improvements.

• Deliver insights that guide strategic planning, revenue growth, and product positioning

Desired Experience & Qualification

• 5+ years’ experience in a senior product role within luxury travel, focused on Southern and/or East Africa

• Tertiary qualification in Travel and Tourism / Brand Management / Marketing

• Extensive destination and lodge product knowledge

• Established relationships with regional suppliers

• Strong commercial and negotiation skills with a proven track record

• Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• A genuine passion for Africa and safari travel

This is a office based position - Monday to Friday - 8:30 to 17:00

Package & Remuneration

Market related