Job Description:

Job Title: Product Manager – Luxury Travel

Location: Cape Town (Hybrid)

Reports to: Head of Operations

Role Overview

The Product Manager will oversee the development, curation, and management of the luxury travel portfolio across Southern and East Africa. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, including managing supplier relationships, curating bespoke experiences, ensuring commercial competitiveness, and equipping sales teams with the tools and insights needed to convert and delight clients.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Lifecycle Management

• Research, design, and refine innovative, high-end travel experiences aligned with brand positioning.
• Identify emerging destinations, niche experiences, and market trends to expand the portfolio.
• Manage the full product lifecycle: concept, feasibility, contracting, launch, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor product performance, profitability, and client feedback to refine offerings.

Supplier & Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with lodges, camps, villas, aviation providers, guides, and other experience partners.
• Negotiate contracts, rates, overrides, and value-adds to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Act as the primary liaison for client and sales feedback with suppliers to ensure service excellence.
• Develop joint marketing programs with suppliers and tourism boards.

Market & Performance Analysis

• Conduct competitor analysis and monitor industry trends to maintain a leading edge.
• Track sales performance and booking data to inform product decisions.
• Anticipate shifts in guest preferences and adjust strategies accordingly.

Internal Support & Training

• Provide sales and reservations teams with product updates, training, and key selling points.
• Respond to live product and pricing queries to support conversion rates.
• Manage and communicate special offers, campaigns, and legislative changes.
• Oversee the calendar of educational trips and ensure alignment with training needs.

Sales, Marketing & Systems Collaboration

• Work with marketing to deliver accurate, compelling product content for campaigns, website, and CRM.
• Ensure accurate and timely loading of supplier content, rates, and itineraries into internal systems (e.g., Tourplan, Travelyst).
• Support business development by providing insights and recommendations on new products and trends.
• Attend trade shows, roadshows, and press/editorial trips to represent the product portfolio.

Leadership & Strategic Contribution

• Support senior management with product strategy, special projects, and commercial frameworks.
• Align product and systems with broader company goals to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Encourage a proactive, commercially minded culture within the product function.

Requirements

• 5–8+ years’ experience in product development or management within luxury travel, hospitality, or DMCs.
• Strong knowledge of Southern and East Africa, including key destinations, lodges, and logistics.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Commercial acumen with experience in pricing, margins, and contract structuring.
• Data-driven mindset with strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and training abilities.
• Competence with operational and CRM systems (Travelyst, Tourplan, or Travelogic an advantage).
• Willingness to travel regularly to scout and vet new products.