The role
This role owns the full loop of product development, from the first idea to the guest feedback that shapes the next trip. You'll shape the idea, test whether it works operationally and financially, build it, make sure it runs to the standard we expect, and then find out whether guests got what they were promised. You'll report to our Head of Operations, and work side by side with the founders, who are still closely involved in product decisions and design. You'll sit between their ambition and the operations team who deliver it, and you'll be accountable for the product at every stage. A good chunk of the job happens in person: you'll travel to test activities, meet suppliers and build the relationships that make a trip work.
What you'll be doing
- Own idea generation and research - shortlisting destinations, venues and experiences that fit the brand and also sit within the Salt Escapes product ecosystem, and pulling ideas together into clear product concepts
- Own feasibility on the operational side - can we deliver this well, with the right suppliers, logistics, team and guest experience, and what are the risks?
- Own feasibility on the financial side - costing, per-head assumptions, capacity and margin, so the founders can make a go or no-go decision with confidence
- Own the partnership product pipeline - researching, pitching and building corporate retreats, brand collaborations and partnerships with gyms, studios and lifestyle brands
- Own the itinerary and product build - the trip, the inclusions and the end-to-end guest journey, refined until it's right
- Own supplier and partner relationships - sourcing, negotiating and building long-term relationships with villas, DMCs, transport and activity providers, mostly in person
- Own the handover to Operations - a spec and handover pack with everything the team needs (suppliers, contacts, booking steps, run of show, risks), so nothing is left to chance
- Own the standard on the ground - making sure each trip runs the way it was designed and meets the standard we expect, working closely with Operations and visiting trips in person
- Own the feedback loop - collecting and analysing feedback from guests and the on-trip team, checking whether expectations were met, and turning what you learn into changes for the next trip
- Support the founders and marketing team where it counts - launch planning, product copy and coordination
What you'll bring
- Experience building travel, hospitality or experiential products, from first idea through to a launched, operating offer
- Strong commercial instincts - you can build a cost model and know where margin is won or lost
- A track record of sourcing and managing suppliers, and negotiating good terms with them
- Willingness to travel a good chunk of the year - to test activities, meet suppliers in person and visit running trips
- Clear, structured writing - specs, handover packs and feedback reports other people can run with
- Real ownership - you can run several products at different stages at once and make calls without all the information
Bonus points
Not essential, but we will get excited.
- Experience with corporate, group or partnership-led travel or events
- Time spent in fitness, wellness or adventure travel, ideally as a guest on a retreat or at an endurance event
- AI tools as a regular part of how you work - they are for us too