Chief Operating Officer

at  Goway Travel Limited

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Division/ Department: Operations
Location: Toronto
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Goway Travel was founded in Toronto in 1970 by Bruce Hodge, a young Australian economist who moved to Canada to follow his dreams.
From there, we have established ourselves as a global influence with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila. While the travel industry endured major challenges, our strong foundations allowed Goway to forge ahead. We continually innovated, invested in new technology, and challenged the status quo.
Still owned and operated by Bruce, with the support of his leadership board, our mission has always been to help our clients realize their travel dreams. Today, we are an industry-leading, global travel company with over 600 employees. Our team of experts utilizes cutting-edge technology to tailor-make 4 and 5-star travel experiences in over 100 countries around the world.
At Goway Travel, we’re not just a company; we’re a family of dreamers and doers, inspired by our founder’s incredible journey. He didn’t just follow a career path; he followed his heart, and in doing so, he built a company that helps others follow theirs.
If you’re passionate about travel and innovation, we invite you to be a part of our exciting journey!

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Chief Operating Officer or similar role in the travel or technology industry.
• In-depth knowledge of travel operations, including reservation systems in a diverse multi-department, multi-channel environment.
• Experience in the development and execution of an e-commerce strategy is highly regarded.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset and a focus on continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and collaborating effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Certification in operations management or relevant professional certifications is a plus.

THE ROLE:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees and improves our company’s operational efficiencies and drives revenue growth across our global operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in travel operations management, a strategic mindset, and a proven track record of successfully scaling businesses and maximizing profitability. This position reports to the CEO and will be heavily focused on helping us realize and exceed our 5-10-year strategic growth plans.
As COO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our company, driving innovation, and making strategic decisions that will propel us to new heights in the travel industry. This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement, with the potential to take on even greater leadership responsibilities as the company grows.
We are looking for a candidate that believes in responsible travel and fostering an inclusive workforce. We are looking for someone to join us in our mission to create travel solutions that enrich the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute strategies to optimize operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth across all travel services.
• Revenue Generation: Implement initiatives to increase sales and bottom line, expand market share, and identify new revenue streams through innovative service offerings, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions.
• Operational Oversight: Direct and manage operations to ensure seamless service delivery, including but not limited to reservations, logistics, customer support, product & partner management.
• Financial Management: Collaborate with the Finance and Operating teams to develop budgets, drive financial performance, and implement cost-effective measures without compromising service quality.
• Business Development: Explore new market opportunities, negotiate contracts, and forge strategic alliances to expand the company’s footprint and revenue potential.
• Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse group of front-line and support teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Technology Integration: Drive the adoption of technology solutions to streamline operations, increase revenue, enhance efficiency, and improve the employee and customer experience.
• Risk Management: Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard the company’s reputation and financial stability.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and enforce quality standards, policies, and procedures to maintain high service levels and compliance in accordance with corporate objectives.
• Customer Experience: Champion a customer-centric approach throughout the organization, ensuring that all operational decisions prioritize customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other senior executives, including the CEO, CFO, SVPs, and VPs to align operational goals with overall business objectives and drive sustainable growth.