Program Services Manager

Reporting to: Regional General Manager

Department: Operations

Location: Lyon, France

Workplace Model: Hybrid

Grand Circle Corporation is the leader in international travel, adventure and discovery for Americans aged 50+. Headquartered in Boston MA, and with more than 35 offices globally, more than two million Americans have traveled with our award-winning travel brands: Grand Circle Cruise Line, Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel.

We’re looking for a Trip Experience Leaders Team Manager based in Lyon, France, to support our France programs and ensure consistently high-quality delivery for our travelers. This role is ideal for someone who knows France deeply, understands the expectations of international travelers, and is passionate about coaching people to deliver authentic, warm, and culturally rich experiences on the road.

Reporting directly to the Regional General Manager, this role will work closely with local teams, Trip Experience Leaders, and regional leadership to support the successful delivery of our France programs.

The ideal candidate is fluent in French, based in or willing to relocate to Lyon, and brings a strong understanding of France, its regions, and the standards expected in the French travel and hospitality environment.

• →Deep knowledge and understanding of France, its culture, geography, regional diversity, and hospitality standards
• →Strong understanding of North American travelers and their expectations, with a minimum of three years’ relevant experience
• →Travel industry and people management experience, ideally in a field-based, tour operations, hospitality, or customer experience environment
• →Experience hiring, training, scheduling, and coaching guides, tour leaders, or customer-facing teams to ensure high-quality delivery and alignment with company standards
• →Ability to travel up to 70% of the time during high season to train, support, and coach Trip Experience Leaders and gather live traveler feedback
• →Ability to develop practical training and on-the-road coaching plans that support authentic experiences and meaningful traveler engagement with French culture
• →Strong coaching and training mindset, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback
• →Ability to build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with Trip Experience Leaders through consistent, respectful, and motivational communication

• →Strong problem-solving skills when managing trips on the road and handling changes, delays, or service issues with calm and professionalism
• →Strong sense of urgency, follow-through, and ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high service standards
• →Fluency in written and spoken French; English is required to communicate with international teams and leadership
• →Good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• →Ability to support a performance-driven strategy focused on product quality, operational excellence, traveler satisfaction, and cost awareness

• Natural leadership and credibility with field-based teams
• Strong performance management and coaching ability
• Ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams in a collaborative environment
• Practical, hands-on mindset and strong ownership
• Strong coaching and teaching ability
• Resilience, adaptability, and emotional maturity
• Proven ability to make decisions, manage sensitive situations, and take ownership
• Collaborative team player, comfortable working across local and international teams
• Genuine passion for France, travel, culture, and creating memorable traveler experiences
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and service-oriented judgment

The salary for this position is €44,000 gross annually. This is a fixed salary aligned with the level of the role.

In addition, this role is eligible for:

• permanent contract based in France, with a four-month probation period
• an annual bonus based on company performance
• annual salary review based on individual performance
• personal and professional growth opportunities within an international travel organization

• milestone bonus and travel certificate for every next 5th anniversary of employment at GCC
• Worldwide Grand Circle tour packages available at discounted rates
• referral bonus
• structured onsite training and ongoing coaching support
• a multicultural, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced work environment

To learn more, please visit our websites at www.gct.com , www.oattravel.com  and www.grandcirclefoundation.org.

By applying for this position, you agree that Grand Circle may process the personal information you provide for recruitment and hiring purposes. Your data will be handled confidentially and retained only as necessary for the recruitment process and applicable legal requirements.

For questions regarding the processing of your personal data or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact gdprinfo@oattravel.com