Product Destination Manager – East Africa at Wilderness

PRIMARY PURPOSE

• The role involves driving East Africa 3rd party products & destinations in order to grow the DMC offering in line with our business strategy as well as to contribute to the initiation, growth & development of FIT, Groups, and Owned Brands. 
• Coordinating and developing relationships between the Sales team, Reservation Managers, Operations Reservation Managers, Travel Designers, and 3rd party suppliers.
• Clearly defining strategic preferred and other suppliers and building strong relationships with key suppliers by arranging regular meetings, attending online and physical trade shows. 
• The successful incumbent will need to be a strategic thinker with a passion for driving business growth and have a strong background in the travel industry.
• This position is based in Johannesburg.

Detailed Responsibilities

Communication

• Communicate and share information with various divisions and travel shops.
• Investigate, source, review, and compile information for special interest products and new products.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of Fam Trips, presentations, and workshops together with Product Coordinators.
• Collaborate with the training department to develop destination and product updates.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor offerings to ensure our products remain competitive and innovative.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers, and partners.

Market Trends

• Analyze market trends and customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in our Destination Management Company (DMC) offering.
• Compare and analyze rates and products of competitors to ensure competitiveness in the market.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to Management for strategic decision-making.
• Monitor and report on progress towards AP strategy goals.
• Investigate and resolve queries, complaints, and comments from guests, agents, and staff members in collaboration with the Travel Analyst team.
• Continuously seek ways to enhance the DMC offering and improve customer satisfaction.

Rates

• Negotiate rates, margins, overrides, terms and conditions with 3rd party products for strategic and preferred categories at Wilderness Travel Shops.
• Clearly define strategic preferred and other suppliers, ensuring they align with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers by arranging regular meetings and attending online and physical trade shows.
• Monitor and track supplier performance, ensuring they meet agreed upon terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure supplier agreements are in line with company strategy and objectives.
• Provide regular updates and reports on supplier negotiations and performance to management.

Suppliers

• Update and maintain supplier information in the Wilderness Window system together with Product Coordinator.
• Work closely with the RARA department to ensure accurate rate loading and highlight any contractual changes.
• Vet all services to ensure they meet Wilderness guidelines for insurance coverage.
• Promote and develop circuits internally based on your assigned region.
• Participate in ad hoc supplier negotiations to ensure competitive rates and high-quality services.

Reporting

• Attend regular management meetings to discuss day-to-day issues, assisting in finding solutions and possible areas of strategic importance, constructive feedback and best practices across the Wilderness group.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless communication and guest experience.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience:                    

• 7-10 years’ experience in the travel & tourism industry
• Exposure to suppliers in Southern & East Africa preferably in operations or in product development
• Experience in interaction with agents & suppliers
• Personal or educational travel experience
• Working knowledge of TourPlan, Wilderness Window and WISH or similar booking/operating system
• Proven track record of driving sales and revenue growth
• Personal or educational travel experience
• Ability to negotiate contracts with suppliers and agents
• Must have a valid passport
• Must have a valid driver’s license & own personal vehicle

Skills:           

• Knowledge of travel industry trends and best practices
• Experience with information gathering, analysis, and reporting
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint AI tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Knowledge of the travel industry and DMC operations is a plus
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Interests:                        

• A passion for wildlife and a commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Closing Date 30 October 2026