Senior Groups & Incentives Travel Designer (Hybrid)

About the role

Innovation Advance is looking for a Senior Groups & Incentives Travel Designer with deep MICE expertise, to create high-end group journeys across Southern and East Africa. The role blends luxury, purpose and seamless execution, working with trade partners, DMCs and internal teams from the first brief to the final transfer.

Key responsibilities

• Design bespoke group, incentive and MICE itineraries tailored to client goals, budgets and guest profiles.
• Turn briefs into programmes highlighting Africa's iconic regions, experiences and conservation stories.
• Identify value-adds and upsell opportunities that protect commercial integrity.
• Manage complex logistics: rooming lists, movements, activities, special requirements and on-the-ground coordination.
• Work closely with Operations to ensure flawless execution from confirmation through travel.
• Maintain accurate booking files and quote confidently and on time.
• Monitor performance metrics and contribute to departmental targets.
• Stay up to date on destinations, seasonal highlights, wildlife movements and emerging experiences.
• Use industry systems such as WETU, Smartbox, Tourplan and Microsoft Office.

Required profile

• 6-10 years' experience in senior groups, incentives or MICE travel design/reservations.
• Matric with Mathematics (Standard Grade or higher).
• Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism, Hospitality or a related field (advantageous).
• Proven experience managing complex group logistics and high-value clients.
• Confident communicator with strong English; European languages a bonus.
• Calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and passionate about wildlife, conservation and sustainable tourism.

Required skills

• Strong working knowledge of Tourplan and Microsoft Office.
• Multi-file management and meticulous attention to detail.

What we offer

• Work with globally iconic destinations, from wilderness areas to lodges and conservation-led experiences.
• Ongoing training, product immersion and familiarisation trips.
• A team that values kindness, collaboration and professional excellence.