Fancy a new job in Edinburgh that lets you travel the world?
The Scottish-based business now boasts a retail portfolio of 74 stores across the UK and Fort Kinnaird will be the sixth branch in the wider Edinburgh area.
As well as enjoying benefits such as uncapped commission and up to a week of additional annual leave for long service, employees of Barrhead Travel regularly enjoy educational trips abroad as part of ongoing training and development.
By the end of 2018, over 160 Barrhead Travel employees will have travelled to far-flung destinations as part of their worldwide familiarisation programme. From whale-watching on-board an Alaskan coastal cruise, to walking the Great Wall of China, employees have been sent all over globe to gain first-hand experience of the destinations they sell.
Ensuring that travel consultants have expert insights and can provide personal recommendations is essential for the role, explains Sharon Munro, president of Barrhead Travel:
“With so many new destinations and experiences opening up, having the knowledge of an experienced travel consultant who knows the destination you are looking to explore is invaluable. Flicking through brochures, browsing online or searching social media can offer inspiring ideas for your next getaway, but speaking with someone – either in person or over the phone – remains the best way to gain genuine advice.
Delving into the local culture and enjoying authentic experiences is now a priority for many holidaymakers and being able to share personal recommendations can really enhance the booking experience. This is another reason why Barrhead Travel continue to expand our branch network – customers can trust and rely on our experts to help them find their next dream holiday.
People who join our family of sales people and work hard can get a chance to make travel a core part of the job.”
Barrhead Travel’s Fort Kinnaird branch is recruiting for up to twelve new team members, including travel consultants, team leaders, a manager and foreign currency experts. The new experiential store is beautifully modern and equipped with industry-leading technology, a dedicated cruise and long-haul area as well as a foreign currency unit.
For more information, contact their Talent Acquisition Team on 0141 223 6655, email your CV to [email protected]or visit their vacancies page.My journey to Barrhead Travel
Michelle Thomson, Barrhead Travel Manager – Fort Kinnaird
With 12 years of experience in the travel industry, East Lothian-based Michelle Thomson will be taking the reigns as store manager in Barrhead Travel’s new experience store based in Fort Kinnaird.
Michelle joined Barrhead Travel in 2013 as a travel sales consultant before taking advantage of the company’s in-house Grow Programme which provided tailored training and a clear progression plan. She soon became a Team Leader before last year enjoying a promotion to Assistant Manager in Barrhead Travel’s Gyle branch.
Fast-forward just 12 months and Michelle has now been appointed as the Store Manager of Barrhead Travel’s latest addition to its portfolio of retail outlets. Michelle will head up a team of 16 people in Fort Kinnaird, a 2000 square foot conceptual style store in the heart of the popular retail park.
Speaking of her appointment, Michelle said: “I am so excited to start the next chapter in my Barrhead Travel career. The training and support I have had along the way have been invaluable and has helped to ensure I reach my professional and personal goals.
"Launching the new store at Fort Kinnaird is an incredible challenge to take on. I have such a genuine passion for travel so running my own store really is my dream job. I can’t wait to grow and develop my own team and help my staff with their own progression plans. I am a firm believer in the saying, if the sky is the limit, then reach for the sky.”
Leanne Jack, Barrhead Travel Regional Sales Manager
Leanne Jack joined Barrhead Travel in 2011 as branch manager of the then-new Gyle store in Edinburgh. Leanne was presented with industry-leading training opportunities and claims that, despite having 11 years of travel experience under her belt, she was ‘never a true travel agent until joining Barrhead Travel.’
Leanne experienced two years of notable success at the Gyle branch resulting in the store relocating to a larger premises, growing Leanne’s team significantly. Leanne has since been promoted to Regional Sales Manager, looking after eleven branches.
One of Leanne’s favourite aspects of working with Barrhead Travel is developing and mentoring her team to support them in their journey of personal success:
“The opportunities Barrhead Travel provide with regards to promoting from within are fantastic for motivated individuals who want progress in the industry. Highlights of my career with the business include recruiting individuals with little to no travel experience and watching their career prosper through the genuine encouragement and support of the people around them.
“I honestly love working with Barrhead Travel and cannot see myself ever working anywhere else.”