Portfolio management of 50 schools in Kent, Sussex & Surrey. Sales to new schools and lapsed clientsTarget driven bringing in over £1.5m p.a.Relationship building with a multitude of stake holders including teachers, EVC's, KDM's, SLT, LEA and Governors to ensure support is given where necessaryConfidently deliver presentations to a range of audiences, inspiring confidence in parents and convincing them of the inherent value of their children participating in the expedition programme.Ability to field difficult questions with excellent communication skills to advance the sales process and deliver the highest levels of Challenger recruitment.Facilitation from the initial launch, itinerary meeting, and any focus meetings to retain sign ups and engage, excite and set every student up for success from the outset of the programme.A very diverse role which spans from face to face to admin and behind the scenes working in all areas of the business.

· Recruitment, management, & development of a team of 15 product managers and support staff who were responsible for the logistical planning of all escorted expeditions in 40 destinations across the world, sending approx. 8,000 clients away per year· Budget forecasting and overarching management for approx. 600 teams per year and a handling a budget of approximately £3,000,000, whilst looking to increase margins using variable pricing strategies· Negotiation across all of our destinations to ensure we remained competitive & ahead of the market whilst improving quality by setting KPIs and performance related bonuses for suppliers.· Ensuring compliance with all current legislation, safety standards & awards, pioneering industry best practice for overseas expedition safety & quality in conjunction with our legal & safety team· Product development – Researching new destinations, sourcing, designing and establishing new products throughout the world alongside the PMa to increase their appeal to new growth markets and to promote capacity building· Implementing, contracting and negotiating with new DMCs to change the way that we operated overseas expeditions making it more efficient and improving quality, whilst still cost effective· Contracting & negotiation with new & existing activity, accommodation & transport providers· Liaising with the Head of Sales to ensure that the Account Managers had the most accurate pricing & information needed to secure new & repeat business.Senior Duty Manager in the Ops Centre, managing a team of 8 and handling a range of calls from minor illnesses, lost passports, major evacuations, hostage situations and fatalities

This position manages the team delivering all expeditions from Continental Asia and Africa, including responsibility for In-Country Budgets of over £2 million across the portfolio.

Planning 75+ expeditions a year to Central Asia for students. Part of my role includes managing budgets of up to £650,000, booking trekking packages and accommodation. I am also developing new itineraries in exciting new destinations and spend a lot of time tweaking existing products to give the students the trip of a lifetime. I am lucky enough to travel to the destinations I manage; sourcing new suppliers, meeting and training In-Country Agents and sourcing new project sites, which is one of the key elements of the challengers trip.Spending 2+ weeks a year in the operations centre I am use to dealing with emergencies and active problems in countries that I don't normally manage.

· Overseeing day to day challenge preparation including charity & community challenges to Africa, Continental Asia, Latin America, Europe & the North Pole· Business development with new charities and individual clients using product knowledge to increase sales· Research and Product Development, designing bespoke itineraries and creating new products in countries that have yet to be incorporated in the sales package· Marketing – face to face sales meetings at presentations, creating monthly promotions, newsletters & blogs· Operating to the highest standards of safety and quality and assisting with the development of challenge SAFE our safety and auditing system, as well as adhering to good responsible tourism practices· Contracting of in-country suppliers and destination management companies· Responsible for the recruitment and training of both UK and local leaders and doctors as required and helping with the development and set up of all aspects of our Canadian office· Sales calls to prospective clients, charities and active participants

· Leading expeditions and tours throughout East and Southern Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe for people of all ages including families. Tours have included climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking in the Simien mountains, exploring the Arctic Circle, high end lodge safaris, overland trips, cycling tours, sailing tours, cultural trips and wildlife camping safaris· Sourcing and booking relevant products from local operators to enhance the clients trips (i.e. upselling optional extras)· Implementing all of the companies safety procedures

· Full responsibility for ensuring operations ran smoothly with uninterrupted service at all 3 centres, whilst managing a team of 20 staff· Developed robust processes to ensure legal compliance across the board· Responsible for departmental budget control and management· Worked alongside the Directors of the business and with key office personnel to produce detailed reports and analysis on efficiencies, trends and key operational matters· Ensured new products were developed with supply partners and delivered to the market on quality, cost and time