Purchasing Manager (Accommodation and Ground Services)

  • Travel Trade Recruitment
  • Feb 26, 2026
Full time Hospitality & Tourism

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities
  • 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
Skills & Experience 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
Personal Attributes
  • Flexible team player willing to support other departments
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Professional, proactive, and commercially minded
What's Offered
  • 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 . All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.