Collette is seeking a Customs Specialist to join our Product Department. This is a hybrid role based at our headquarters in Pawtucket, RI.

About Collette: Let Us Show You the World

There has never been a better time to be in the travel industry. See the world, connect with others, and experience the immersive benefits of one of the trendiest industries when you join the Collette team! As the longest-running tour operator in North America, our family-owned business leads the industry in innovation and expertise. Collette’s passionate team works hard to fulfill travel dreams and is always looking for talent that will help to shape the company’s future. Being part of the Collette team means having a willingness to grow, a desire to learn and ask questions, and a zest for seeing the world. From giving back to local communities to creating incredible experiences for a world of travelers and being part of a value-oriented team that cares for one another – Collette is all about the people. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey starts here.

Job Summary:

Join a dynamic and fast paced team within our Product Development division. Custom Specialists have an integral role in designing, managing, and executing custom tours seamlessly for our guests. Our Custom Specialists demonstrate strong leadership and collaborative skills on a daily basis while creating custom itineraries, working with group leaders, answering questions, troubleshooting challenges, and proactively delivering exceptional service to our guests.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and author custom tour itineraries by conducting thorough research on destination, routing and inclusions offered.
• Create accurate and timely custom tour proposals, including itineraries, pricing, optional tours, and space confirmations.
• Manage assigned custom tours from request phase through execution, including completion of all tour documentation and turnovers. Liaise with external group leaders and internal departments to ensure quality service can be delivered at each step.
• Act as first point of contact for all product related questions and issues regarding assigned custom tours. Display effective leadership skills to resolve tour issues through a combination of collaboration and decisive direction of others, including company employees and vendors.
• Apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to develop solutions for tour product challenges that have the potential to impact the guest experience.
• Manage vendor relationships for custom tour programs to ensure proper service and delivery of our tour components.
• Negotiate, approve, and sign contracts for assigned custom tour programs
• Foster strong working relationships with group leaders, colleagues and vendors in order to effectively manage assigned tours.
• Complete special projects throughout the year, such as assisting with implementation of company-wide improvement initiatives or projects.
• Weekend Coverage: Manage the Product department emergency on-call phone 4-5 weeks a year.

Skills and Knowledge:

• A minimum of 3 years work experience and relevant job skills
• Negotiation experience required.
• Strong relationship building skills
• High level of guest focus, problem solving and decision making capabilities
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail
• Proactive, professional, and positive approach and demeanor
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast paced, dynamic and deadline driven environment
• Ability to travel within the US and internationally 20-30 days per year