Contracting Specialist, Europe - 12 month contract

About Us

Let’s go on an adventure together!  

Hey there, we’re G Adventures. We’re one of the world’s leading small group travel companies, and we’ve always believed that travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how it changes you.

For the last 35 years, we’ve set out to do things differently. No cookie-cutter tours. No giant buses or cruise ships. And not to mention, as few selfie sticks as possible. Just real humans, travelling your heart out across the world with open minds and a non-stop desire to make our planet better, simply by exploring it. 

At G Adventures, our DNA (or GNA, if you will) is built on belonging — where bringing your authentic self to work every day isn’t just accepted, it’s downright celebrated. For our office crew — you wanna rock a t-shirt with your dog’s face on it? We say go for it. For our Chief Experience Officers —  you wanna hit the road and call some of the most epic places on Earth your home office? We love that — and we’ve got you. Wanna spend your days with people you genuinely like? Us too — and we’re pretty sure you’ll fit right in, wherever that is. 

Now about that career of yours — this is the kind of place where you can spread your wings and truly grow into your role. The best part? You get to do it all alongside a passionate, freakishly talented, one-of-a-kind bunch excited to produce top-notch work and spread a ridiculous amount of goodness at the same time. 

Feel like this could be the right fit? We think so too, and we’re already way too excited to meet you.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Contracting Manager for the region, the Contracting Specialist  is responsible for executing their region’s buying strategy, keeping a focus on costs and service quality for all brands under the G Travel Community (“GTC”). This includes conducting and supporting the research and execution of the strategy set by the region’s product team with the support of the Director of Buying.  This role works closely with  local Operation Managers and Tour Staff Managers to generate the most optimal content flow, budgets, vendor selection and product content recommendations. As a member of the region's destination team; must be able to effectively partner and maintain consistent communication with all stakeholders, internally and externally, to ensure the objectives of their region are achieved.

What You'll be Doing:

• Maintain accurate vendor and contract records in internal systems.

• Build, nurture, and evaluate relationships with existing vendors while proactively sourcing new vendors to ensure competitive pricing, quality service, and innovative solutions.

• Negotiate vendor contracts to maximize cost-effectiveness, secure favorable terms, and ensure compliance with organizational standards.

• Monitor vendor performance and customer feedback, ensuring services meet expectations, including safety, quality, and contractual obligations.

• Conduct regular performance reviews to maintain optimal contract terms, cost efficiency, and service excellence.

• Gather and analyze local market intelligence to inform purchasing and vendor strategy.

• Support the development and execution of the regional Buying strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and organizational objectives.

• Maintain accurate regional budgets, track expenditures against financial goals, and ensure timely reporting for management and stakeholders.

• Partner with Finance and Operations teams to make sure vendor payments are issued promptly in line with contract terms.

• Collaborate with internal teams, including Legal, Finance, and Operations, to optimize purchasing, resource utilization, and contract execution.

• Communicate cost estimates, financial results, and product/tour information clearly to relevant stakeholders to support decision-making and smooth operations.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience.

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in travel, contracting, buying or operations within the region - with a strong understanding of industry-specific processes.

• Proven expertise in negotiating vendor rates and services, including managing vendor communications and maintaining strong relationships to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

• Proven administrative and management capabilities, particularly in organizing contracts, vendor relationships and team coordination.

• Experience in managing and updating budgets accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring financial goals and standards are met.

• Solid understanding of regional market dynamics and competitor activities to inform strategic decisions on vendor relationships and purchasing.

• Solid knowledge of European tourism markets and industry trends, with the ability to leverage this understanding for strategic decision-making.

• Experience in the buying, tour leading and operations cycle - with a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end processes and their impact on business performance.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering strong relationships and delivering results through teamwork.

• Proficiency with contract management systems and vendor management tools, ensuring accurate data input and seamless contract execution. 

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in English and a local European language - with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.

What Do We Offer You?

• Competitive Total Rewards Package, including exclusive travel perks!

• Additional days off, including on your birthday!

• Vacation time for you to recharge

• Enhanced Parental Leave

• Meaningful Employee Recognition Program

• Learning and Growth Opportunities

• Employee Resource Groups

*Applicable based on location*

Please note that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in the selection or interview process.

G Adventures is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We consider all qualified applicants.