Custom Specialist

COLLETTE TRAVEL SERVICE INC•Pawtucket, RI

2d•$50,000 - $58,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Collette is seeking a Custom Specialist to join our Tour Design and Delivery Team. This is preferably a hybrid role based at headquarters in Pawtucket, RI. Remote candidates with qualifiable experience will be considered. About Collette: Let Us Show You the World There has never been a better time to be in the travel industry. See the world, connect with others, and experience the immersive benefits of one of the trendiest industries when you join the Collette team! As the longest-running tour operator in North America, our family-owned business leads the industry in innovation and expertise. Collette’s passionate team works hard to fulfill travel dreams and is always looking for talent that will help to shape the company’s future. Being part of the Collette team means having a willingness to grow, a desire to learn and ask questions, and a zest for seeing the world. From giving back to local communities to creating incredible experiences for a world of travelers and being part of a value-oriented team that cares for one another – Collette is all about the people. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey starts here. Job Summary: The Custom Specialist plays an integral role in designing, managing, and executing custom tour programs from initial concept through delivery. This role is responsible for creating custom itineraries, collaborating with group leaders and internal stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution of customized travel experiences. The position requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills to proactively address challenges and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Requirements

Negotiation experience required.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
High level of guest focus, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Proactive, professional, and positive approach to work.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Design and develop custom tour itineraries through detailed research of destinations, routing, and inclusions.
Create accurate and timely custom tour proposals, including pricing, itineraries, optional experiences, and confirmations.
Manage custom tours from initial request through execution, ensuring completion of all documentation and operational handoffs.
Coordinate with internal teams and external group leaders to ensure smooth delivery at each stage of the tour lifecycle.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all product-related questions and issues associated with assigned custom tours.
Resolve tour-related challenges through collaboration, leadership, and effective decision-making.
Apply critical thinking to address issues that may impact the guest experience.
Manage vendor relationships to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and tour components.
Negotiate, approve, and execute contracts for custom tour programs.
Foster strong partnerships with vendors, group leaders, and internal stakeholders.
Participate in special projects and initiatives aimed at improving processes and operational effectiveness.
Provide on-call coverage as part of departmental support requirements.
Embraces a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning, actively exploring and leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to improve processes, elevate content, and drive efficiency across the organization.
Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs.