A new level of buoyancy in the travel management sector is leading to a wide range of senior positions coming on to the market.
Recruitment companies said the opportunities are endless for candidates with the right skills and experience, particularly those with a proven track record of pan-European or global expertise.
Executive Solutions sales director Jason Blayne said: “Travel management is picking up at a rate of knots.”
Carlson Wagonlit Travel head of human resources Sue Kavanagh said changes in the way business travel is conducted have brought about a new breed of senior roles.
“We’ve got about 50 positions in the UK we didn’t have five years ago, which include consultancy, project management, European and global roles, management information specialists, and product specialists. All these roles have been brought about by new demands from the customer,” she said.
“For these roles we are competing against other industries, particularly the Europe, Middle East or global positions, and that means salaries have to be competitive.”
Rise Executive Recruitment senior account consultant Simon Thomas said this new level of activity isn’t confined to the larger travel management companiess. “The independents are also actively recruiting at the moment.”
Harp Wallen Recruitment managing director Kristina Wallen said this is the first time TMCs have invested heavily in staff since September 11.
Howgate and Sable partner Rick White said: “There is a lot of movement in that sector and it’s positive from a salary perspective.”
For jobs in the travel industry see our travel jobs section or visit our partner, totaljobs.com for travel and tourism industry vacancies with some of the UK’s largest companies