AITO - The Specialist Travel Association
Industry Affairs and Financial Protection Manager
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AITO
We are a leading travel trade association that represents Small and Medium sized independent tour operators and travel agents that offer bespoke specialist travel experiences.
Purpose of the Role
To lead AITO's policy, regulatory affairs and financial protection activities, ensuring the Association is recognised as an authoritative voice within the travel industry whilst delivering an effective, commercially sustainable financial protection scheme for members.
The role is responsible for representing AITO with Government and industry bodies, providing expert guidance to members, overseeing the AITO Financial Protection Scheme (AFPS), identifying commercial opportunities, and protecting the Association's reputation.
Key Responsibilities
Industry Affairs
- Monitor, interpret and communicate developments in travel legislation, regulation and consumer protection.
- Develop AITO policy positions and prepare consultation responses, briefings and guidance.
- Represent AITO with Government departments, regulators, trade associations and industry bodies.
- Attend and contribute to key industry forums including ABTA Policy Advisory Group, Future Travel Coalition, FCDO, Outbound Travel Group, ATIPAC and DBT Approved Body meetings.
Member Advisory
- Provide expert advice to members on regulatory, financial protection and operational matters.
- Support compliance with AITO membership requirements and industry legislation.
- Manage complex member enquiries and complaints.
Financial Protection (AFPS)
- Lead the management and ongoing development of the AITO Financial Protection Scheme by:
- Assessing applications from new and existing members.
- Preparing financial assessments and recommendations for the Assessment Panel.
- Liaising with members, insurers, bond providers and other stakeholders throughout the application and bonding process.
- Managing scheme documentation, contracts and invoicing.
- Monitoring member compliance, financial performance and scheme risk.
- Reporting to the AFPS Board and Department for Business and Trade.
- Reviewing and improving scheme processes, documentation and governance.
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Commercial Development
- Promote AFPS and its benefits to existing and prospective members.
- Manage the commercial relationship with bond providers.
- Identify and develop new products, services and revenue opportunities, including Pipeline Monies and ATOL Franchise initiatives.
- Champion the use of technology and AI to improve operational efficiency.
Reputation and Representation
- Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for AITO where appropriate.
- Support media activity and public affairs alongside AITO's communications partners.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across Government, regulators and the travel industry.
General
- Contribute to the wider leadership and operational activities of AITO.
- Undertake other duties consistent with the seniority of the role.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience within the UK travel industry.
- Strong knowledge of travel regulation, financial protection and consumer legislation.
- Experience of insurance, bonding or financial protection schemes.
- Experience working with Government, regulators and industry bodies.
- Financial analysis, including interpretation of statutory accounts.
- Commercial negotiation and stakeholder management.
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Skills and Competencies
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Commercially aware with sound judgement.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- Forward-thinking with an interest in applying AI and technology to improve business processes.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take ownership.
Personal Qualities
- Credible and confident at senior level.
- Politically aware and commercially pragmatic.
- Collaborative relationship builder.
- Resilient, adaptable and accountable.
- Professional, approachable and customer-focused.
Qualifications
- Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week in our Southwest London office.
- 33 days' annual leave including Bank Holidays.
- A collaborative and supportive team environment.
- The opportunity to develop knowledge of regulation, public policy and financial protection within the travel industry.
- A varied role with exposure to senior stakeholders, Government departments and industry leaders.
If you're looking for this type of role we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a short covering letter explaining why this opportunity interests you.
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