Purchasing Manager (Accommodation and Ground Services)

About the Role

A well-established London-based B2B tour operator specialising in group travel across Europe is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager with a strong focus on hotel contracting and ground services in French-speaking territories.

This role is pivotal in ensuring cost-effective, high-quality accommodation and travel services for international group clients.

The successful candidate will manage supplier relationships, negotiate hotel contracts, and support the smooth delivery of complex group itineraries.

• Lead hotel contracting and purchasing activities for group travel programmes


• Negotiate rates, allocations, and terms with hotel suppliers across Europe (predominantly French-speaking territories)


• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior-level service providers


• Monitor availability, pricing, and supplier performance


• Analyse market trends to inform purchasing strategies


• Ensure purchasing activity aligns with budgets and company policies


• Maintain accurate procurement records and contracts


• Collaborate closely with operations, sales, and finance teams


• Support wider purchasing and operational needs as required

• Minimum 5 years' experience in travel, tourism, or hospitality


• Proven negotiation experience within the hotel industry


• Existing contacts within the hotel and tourism sector


• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines


• Tenacious, results-driven approach with sound commercial judgement


• High level of attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills


• Fluent in English and French (additional languages an advantage)


• Confident IT skills, including Excel and Microsoft Office


• Minimum A-levels or equivalent

• Flexible team player willing to support other departments


• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


• Professional, proactive, and commercially minded

• Opportunity to join a respected and growing group travel specialist


• Competitive salary depending on experience


• Key role with autonomy and influence over purchasing strategy


• Long-term career progression as the business evolves

To Apply:
Please submit your CV (cover letter optional) to Michael@traveltraderecruitment.co.uk.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted.