Job Purpose
Plan and direct the day to day safari operations to ensure that adequate staffing levels are in place to meet operational requirements and that quality and safety standards are maintained to meet the highest levels of customer service. Research and contribute to the development of new routes and products and support business activities to ensure safari operations can meet changing market needs and keep pace with the development of Arabian Adventures as a market leader for safaris in the UAE.Job Outline:
- Manage the roster planning and scheduling team, doing employee and vehicle allocation on a daily basis, ensuring the skill and experience of Safari Guides match the requirement of the tours. Identify, resolve allocation issues and proactively plan and co-ordinate all resources effectively.- Conduct market research in relation to tours and safaris within the UAE, review customer feedback and investigate complaints to identify and recommend improvements to existing routes and products. Contribute to the development of new initiatives in collaboration with the Operations Controller.
- Assist and accompany special groups (i.e. TV crews, photographers) and adhoc client inspections advising them on bespoke tours, scenic spots and locations, in collaboration with Meetings, Incentives and Events (MIE) team. Coach and develop a team of Safari Operations Supervisors to work on the MIE area of business enabling them to deliver services to meet the needs of special groups and clients.
- Improvise and maintain the Safari and Camp Operations Manual which covers all areas of operations, ensuring all information related to procedures, products, routes and safety is current and accessible. Conduct regular spot checks on convoys and address any deviation from standard operating procedures.
- Recruit and maintain a freelance team of Safari Guides and Drivers
- Ensure training needs in relation to customer service, first aid and safety are met. Provide one-to-one training on dune driving and product knowledge in liaison with the Safari Operations Supervisor ensuring compliance in line with safety standards.
FIELD OPERATIONS
- Review and monitor all vehicles to ensure their working condition and cleanliness (interior and exterior) is at a high standard. Organise timely vehicle servicing and replacement in co-ordination with suppliers and monitor daily vehicle utilisation ensuring fuel economy is maintained.- Co-ordinate activities at the camp in collaboration with the Senior Camp and Catering Assistant to ensure store items, equipment and surroundings are maintained to a high standard in-line with client expectations and the service standards defined by the business.
- Conduct daily briefings with the Safari Guides and Senior Camp and Catering Assistant to ensure that a high level of customer service and safety is maintained by operational staff and provide feedback on any issues to the Operations Controller.
ADMINISTRATION
- Process the costing of all event orders for the MIE team along with ADHOC desert events whilst ensuring the most competitive rates from third party suppliers.- Respond to and investigate Irregularity Reports (IR?s) and ensure that all staff are aware that any incident is reported via the IR procedure within 24 hours of occurrence.
- Monitor fleet usage of in-house vehicles versus outsourced vehicles and deliver an annual audit report with recommendations on optimal fleet size for the business whilst taking into account the need to maintain profitability.
- Co-ordinate the completion of performance reviews across the safaris team, ensure disciplinary and capability processes are adhered to and maintain all employee paperwork and files in close liaison with Human Resources.
Qualifications & Experience
Hospitality.Tour / Field Guides : 5+ YearsDegree or Honours (12+3 or equivalent) :
Knowledge/skills:
- Experience of safaris, tours, knowledge of the tourism sector and safari operations within the UAE, of which one year should be at supervisory level.- Detailed knowledge of Northern Emirates (off road routes). - Experience in managing websites and other online business operations, and safari products will be an added advantage
- Good knowledge of UAE, its culture, heritage, wildlife, local hotels and service industry - Knowledge of first aid and safety procedures
- Excellent knowledge of mechanical aspects of a 4WD vehicle
- Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Valid UAE driver's license
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Click to Check Other Recent Jobs here!Leadership Role : YES
Safety Sensitive Role: Yes
Details of Safety Sensitive role Yes/No
Contact with contaminations materials (Humans/Animals/Chemicals)- Yes
Work in heat- Yes
Driving a vibrating equipment - Yes
