Manager Contracts jobs in United Kingdom

WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning. Founded in 1967, WorldStrides provides programs for middle school students and a wide range of experiences in educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports. Our mission is to help students see beyond the classroom and discover new perspectives.

Are you ready to take the wheel in a fast-paced, high-impact role? WorldStrides is looking for an experienced multilingual Transport Contract Manager to join our UK team and drive contracting and operational excellence across our WorldStrides land programs in Italy and France.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our operations—building and maintaining relationships with transport suppliers, negotiating competitive rates and commercial terms, and implementing a supplier strategy that delivers value, safety, and service quality. You’ll help ensure our busing programs run smoothly and efficiently and work closely with the operations team to provide guidance and hands-on support across transport operations.

If you’re motivated by building impactful partnerships, driving performance, and occasionally travelling through Europe while contributing to unforgettable travel experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

• Drive and develop sourcing plans based on business and department needs, including leading commercial negotiations across a broad range of categories and managing high-value contracts.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships and performance while continually enhancing commercial value to the company.
• Allocate, book, and ensure tours run efficiently from an operations perspective.
• Identify new suppliers and product development opportunities.
• Support groups and Tour Directors on tour and assist with customer care or emergency issues when necessary.
• Provide contract information and prices for components in the area and enter contract prices into the system.
• Process and pay supplier invoices.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve operational efficiency and optimize internal systems.
• Report contracted costs versus budget to the Director; the contractor has full budget responsibility and oversees operational expenses within the region.
• Visit suppliers within guidelines and travel budgets; perform safety and security checks during visits.
• Participate in preparation and presentation of European land budgets, including executive-level briefings.
• Manage booking requirements, track group space and special requirements, and communicate changes promptly.
• Prepare and participate in tour development and changes meetings.
• Collect and log competitor and market information for the area.
• Manage yield for all groups in the area, including hotel allocations, system entries, and change notifications.
• Coordinate services with suppliers to balance price and quality in a timely manner.

• Solid international buying, procurement/purchasing knowledge and experience.
• Fluent in Italian and/or French required.
• Good geographical knowledge of Europe and a passion for showcasing the region to international travelers.
• Work experience in tourism and/or study/experience abroad preferred.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work with all levels of employees.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and with budget constraints.
• Proficient computer skills and the ability to learn new software products.
• Ability to travel to assigned regions when required.
• Strong negotiation and budget management skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.

WorldStrides is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.