Tour Operations Supervisor

About the role

Odysseys Unlimited designs and operates exceptional guided tours around the world, offering guests the opportunity to experience rich cultures, history, and people. We are committed to excellence, career growth, and an inclusive environment at our headquarters in Newton, Massachusetts. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Worldwide Services and involves supervising a team of external tour directors for selected regions, ensuring high-quality travel experiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of 75+ tour directors in selected regions through direct relationships and partnerships with on-site tour operators.
• Recruit and contract the best tour directors in the region.
• Assign tour directors based on company guidelines.
• Work directly with individual tour directors to manage their needs and ensure they have the tools to deliver excellent travel experiences.
• Provide informative briefings to tour directors prior to each tour departure and maintain communication while on tour.
• Support tour directors with on-tour challenges, including resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Achieve company quality goals by addressing areas for improvement and providing suggested resolutions.
• Review tour quality results and provide coaching to tour directors.
• Develop presentations and talks to motivate and educate tour directors during in-country or virtual meetings.
• Conduct and facilitate in-country and virtual meetings/trainings.
• Participate in providing support to the office’s 24/7 emergency assistance team.
• Travel 3–5 times per year, including some weekend travel.
• Provide departmental backup as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience; travel industry experience a plus.
• Strong project management skills: ability to plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate results.
• Self-directed with the ability to work with minimal supervision once trained.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to provide high-level support and responsiveness with a commitment to excellence.
• Experience collaborating with teams, both internal and across multiple countries and cultures.
• Solution-oriented thinking and exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, listening, and presentation).
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, and meet deadlines while handling competing urgent matters.
• International travel experience preferred.