Tour Optimization Trainee With one shared mission of opening the world through education, EF is a multicultural and multilingual community of team members working across 55 countries all around the world. Bring your talents, your perspective, and your ambition. In return, we offer a vibrant, dynamic working environment, and a fulfilling international career.EF Educational Tours makes it possible for thousands of North American students every year to see the world and discover new cultures through our professionally guided tours. The role EF Educational Tours is currently looking for an energetic and enthusiastic professional, for the position of Tour Optimization Trainee, to join our Operations department at our Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. As a Tour Optimization Trainee, you will be helping our customers travel throughout Europe by working with our team to allocate and administer cost-effective and quality accommodation and transport services and solutions for our customers. This position will report to a Tour Optimization Manager and will work closely with suppliers and EF functions. Responsibilities include But Are Not Limited To • Inventory Management– facilitate demand analysis, source and allocate component inventory • Strategy Execution – supporting individuals and team to setting and delivering on mid to long term strategic direction and supplier segmentation • Category Management– support team in their efforts to implement category management and facilitate information gathering on categories and geographical regions • Supplier Relationship Management– collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers through the implementation of a SRM approach • Risk and Safety Management– help monitor, administer and escalate any potential areas of risk and safety concerns. • Budget and Cash Flow Management– continuously assist with monitoring, projecting, delivering on costs according a set plan• Technology– contribute to the development of technology solutions and the improvement of current tools • Market Knowledge, Trends and Innovation– connect on and collect info of the supply market by consistently networking and researching within the industry, as well as gaining market insight into evolving trends in spend categories and geographies with a focus on bringing innovation to EF • Analytics – Use data to improve processes, drive strategy, action & communication • Administrative – Ensure all contracts, allocations, invoices, company records and supplier updates are processed, maintained, and administered effectively • Optimize and coordinate group logistics with external vendors • Assist with group bookings for business partners, museums, and activities across EuropeInfrequent travel may be required in order to support the Team. Qualifications • Passion for educational travel • Forward thinking attitude whilst actively engaged to support day-to-day sourcing priorities • Analytical mindset with a strong attentiveness to detail • Solution oriented, flexible, innovative and driven • Agile and open-minded team player • Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment • Strong communication, social skills and cultural awareness • Proficient knowledge in Excel • Fluency in English along with one or a combination of the following languages is required: French, Italian, Greek, German, and/or Spanish To be considered for this role, applicants must either be Swiss citizens, EU-nationals or have the legal right to live and work in Switzerland. Preferable Start date: November 2024 Duration: 9 – 10 months Application Please submit your CV & Cover Letter in English online. We will screen applications on a rolling basis. Working at EF • You will have the opportunity to work within an innovative, engaging and multicultural environment • Have the opportunity to build strong and lasting business relationships • Have the opportunity in developing your career within EF and our new working location in Zurich Benefits EF offers a wide range of benefits ready for our team members to enjoy during weekends, after work and with friends & family, including:• Discounted passes to local destinations and tourist hot-spots such as mt. Titlis or Kunsthaus Zurich. • Full reimbursement of the SBB ‘halb-tax’ travel card, covering country-wide public transportation.