Operations Associate
Job Description
At SANDEMANs Tours, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional guided experiences across Europe. With over 20 years of history, we have become industry leaders in creating informative and engaging tours that captivate travelers from around the world. Our dedicated team ensures every guest enjoys a memorable and enriching experience while exploring the vibrant cultures, history, and landmarks of Europe.
We are committed to helping our guests connect meaningfully with the cities they visit, offering experiences that educate, entertain, and foster a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures long after their journey ends. At SANDEMANs Tours, our goal is to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world through transformative travel experiences.
About the Role
We are seeking talented, motivated Operations Support Team Members to help grow our operation in Lisbon. This is a unique opportunity to work closely on-site with skilled tour guides and local businesses, developing exciting tours and building strong partnerships. You will gain hands-on international experience while shaping the future of SANDEMANs Tours in one of Europe's most dynamic tourist destinations.
This full-time position offers a hybrid remote work arrangement in Lisboa, combining the flexibility of remote collaboration with essential on-site operational activities. As an Operations Support specialist, you will play a crucial role in expanding our presence in the Portuguese market while maintaining the high standards of service excellence that define our brand.
Key Responsibilities
- Launch and develop new tour offerings in Lisbon, conducting market research and feasibility assessments
- Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with local activity providers, suppliers, and cultural attractions
- Build and maintain strong relationships with hostels, hotels, and accommodation partners throughout the city
- Coordinate and organize efficient guest pick-up services from various accommodation points
- Recruit, interview, train, and manage a team of professional tour guides, ensuring consistent service quality
- Conduct regular performance assessments and provide ongoing coaching to guide staff
- Assess operational efficiency across all tour activities and implement improvement strategies
- Maintain productive working relationships with freelance tour guides and seasonal staff
- Collaborate effectively with remote team members across different time zones and cultural contexts
- Monitor financial performance to ensure city operations remain profitable and sustainable
- Develop and implement customer feedback systems to continuously enhance guest satisfaction
- Create detailed operational procedures and training materials for new team members
- Manage inventory, scheduling, and logistics for multiple tour offerings simultaneously
Requirements
We are looking for someone with local knowledge of Lisbon and a genuine passion for the city as a premier tourist destination. The ideal candidate will possess:
Essential Qualifications:
- Proven experience in tourism, hospitality, travel operations, or related customer service industries
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in professional settings
- Strong interpersonal abilities with demonstrated success in team collaboration and relationship building
- Results-oriented mindset with unwavering focus on delivering exceptional customer service
- Highly organized approach with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple concurrent tasks under pressure
- Meticulous attention to detail ensuring accurate and thorough completion of all responsibilities
- Solid sales skills and business acumen with understanding of profit and loss principles
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel including data analysis and reporting functions
- Fluent in English and Spanish with ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as required by the tourism industry schedule
Preferred Qualifications:
- Genuine passion for walking tours and cultural tourism experiences
- Previous experience in tour operations, guide management, or destination marketing
- Knowledge of Lisbon's historical sites, cultural attractions, and tourism infrastructure
- Understanding of European tourism markets and traveler preferences
- Experience with partnership development and vendor relationship management
Benefits
- Comprehensive training program covering all aspects of our operations and company culture
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and performance
- Opportunities to work in a dynamic international environment with diverse, multicultural teams and clients from around the world
- Hands-on professional experience working alongside talented guides and established local business networks
- Clear career growth pathways with opportunities to take on expanded responsibilities and advance within the organization
- Professional development opportunities including industry training and skill enhancement programs
- Flexible hybrid work arrangement combining remote collaboration with essential field operations
- International exposure with potential opportunities to work with other SANDEMANs locations across Europe
- Cultural immersion opportunities through regular interaction with international visitors and local tourism professionals
Interested in this position?
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Apply now and take the next step in your career.
About SANDEMANs Tours
SANDEMANs Tours is a leading European tour company with over 20 years of experience delivering exceptional guided experiences across major European cities. The company specializes in creating informative and engaging tours that help travelers connect meaningfully with local cultures, history, and landmarks while exploring destinations throughout Europe. SANDEMANs Tours is committed to providing educational and entertaining experiences that foster cultural appreciation and contribute to building a more connected world through travel.


