General Manager Middle East & Africa

Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury
and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over
‎1,200 travel agency locations with ‎20,000 travel advisors in ‎50 countries
throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific,
Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more
than ‎2,200 of the world's best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines,
tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale
clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.
Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $‎25-$‎30 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse
in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

The General Manager Middle East & Africa will oversee Virtuoso's global
operations in market. The role is responsible for the regional business plan
(market playbook and budget) - research, development, implementation,
communication and governance - which drives the overall market performance.

The GM must have a keen understanding of the company's needs in market as well
as the cultural, political and operational challenges that exist in market. In
addition to business direction, budgetary and economic outlooks are key areas
of focus. As such, the GM should be extremely capable in the area of finance
management and team leadership.

International GM's localize the business strategy and oversee specific
departments within a matrix structure. Partnership, Marketing and Product
Directors/Managers will report directly to the GM (divisional team members
will report under the matrix system where it is expected that GM will
deliberate with other global management using matrix procedures and
protocols).

This position will manage staff, it will be the GM's responsibility to ensure
employees and business practices conform to country, regional and
international regulations. Decision-making, communication, and leadership
skills are essential for the success of international management staff.

This role is a key member of both the Virtuoso market team. This role plays a
critical link between market execution and interdepartmental synergies.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties
may be assigned.
* Identify potential partners - Unique to this market the GM will also have a strong role in optimizing the inbound partnership opportunities and act as a key communication link between alliance and other partners.
* Collaborate with Virtuoso departments to develop annual strategies for optimization of revenues, brand equity and margin.
* Work directly with Virtuoso divisions to ensure relevance and quality of the Virtuoso value proposition.
* Provide coverage for vacant roles in the regional matrix.
* Collaboration and communication with executive teams.
* Analyze and communicate competitive context.
* Operate as the brand ambassador in market and be the on-the-ground reference point for Virtuoso.
* Ensure team development aligned with the Virtuoso culture and values.
* Delivery of key performance metrics as outlined in the Business plan.

Educational and Skills Requirements:
* Tertiary Qualifications in relevant field
* Suitable resume in similar roles
* Profile in market in line with expectation
* Proven track record of success in the industry
* Expertise and experience in negotiations
* Experience contributing at a senior level to team performance
* Communication and leadership capabilities
* Strong project management skills
* Excellent presentation skills
* Interpersonal skills
* Work history reflecting strong leadership skills, ability to lead and motivate
* Results orientated
* Strong quality service attitude and approach
* Self-motivated
* Champion of company brand
* Innovation - Forward thinking, curious and creative
* Solution Orientated - Ability to identify issues and provide solutions
* Leadership - Ability in leading people or projects
* Marketplace Expertise - Current business trend knowledge
* Analytical Skills (Advanced) - Ability to collect and analyze complex information, problem solve, and make decisions
* Collaboration - Strong skills in inspiring the win-win-win
* Self-starter - Ability to work independently

Travel Requirements:
* ‎35%+ of time for this role will be spent travelling, visiting members, attending events, member conferences, and team meetings.
* Travel will be primarily international.

Type/Nature of Contacts:
* External: Majority of time spent in market with Members and Partners.
* Internal: This role supervises and supports the entire market team. Key job contacts are primarily with director level staff and above outside of the job 's immediate work unit/department.