Regional Office Manager, Kyoto, Tour Directors

Kyoto Regional Office – Tour Director Manager Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Job Overview We are looking for a Tour Director Manager to lead and develop our Tour Director community in Japan. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the successful recruitment, onboarding, allocation, development, and engagement of Tour Directors across your regional portfolio. You will work closely with Tour Directors, Regional Office teams, Product Development, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure the delivery of exceptional customer experiences across Educational Tours, Ultimate Break Tours, EF Adventure Tours, and Go Ahead Tours. You will lead a team of Regional Coordinators, oversee regional office operations, and serve as a key subject matter expert for Tour Director management within Japan and APAC. As a member of the APAC Operations leadership community, you will contribute to strategic planning, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives that support both regional and global business goals. Main Objectives for the Role Build and maintain a high-performing and engaged Tour Director community that consistently delivers exceptional customer experiences. Ensure Tour Director supply meets business needs through effective forecasting, recruitment, and workforce planning. Drive strong operational performance through effective allocation, cost management, and issue resolution. Improve Tour Director retention, engagement, and overall performance. Develop a capable and motivated Regional Office team that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term business goals. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across Japan and APAC Operations. Team & Reporting Structure This role sits within the APAC Operations Management Team and carries dual reporting lines: Functionally to the Senior Manager for TD Management APAC, based in Sydney Operationally to the Senior Director of APAC Operations, based in Tokyo The Japan Operations Management Team are direct peers of this role. Collaboration, information-sharing, and joint decision-making with Japan Operations peers are central to how this role operates. The same peer relationship applies within the broader APAC Operations Management Team. This role is a full and active participant in the APAC management community, contributing to shared goals, cross-regional initiatives, and collective accountability for operational outcomes across the region. Why You’ll Love Working with Us People at EF Education First make things happen. We encourage you to take full ownership of your work, regardless of your level or experience. EF team members often say we operate like the world’s largest startup because this entrepreneurial spirit is built into our organization’s DNA. At EF, work is just one part of life. We offer a variety of opportunities and benefits to help you thrive both inside and outside the office, including: Opportunities for international collaboration across EF offices worldwide Participation in staff travel experiences and global programs Professional development and growth opportunities A collaborative, energetic, and supportive team culture Opportunities to travel and engage directly with Tour Directors and customers Discounts on EF products and partner services Tour Director Community Management Develop and execute a Tour Director allocation strategy that balances quality, cost, and capacity requirements. Build and maintain a strong pipeline of Tour Directors through proactive recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives. Communicate Tour Director assignments and adjust allocations based on operational needs, availability, and preferences. Coach and support Tour Directors to ensure strong performance, engagement, and customer experience delivery. Monitor Tour Director performance, retention, and engagement, identifying opportunities for development and improvement. Support compliance requirements, including TD contracts, TD background checks, and customer guarantee standards dependant on TD delivery. Operational Leadership Manage escalated Tour Director and on-tour issues, ensuring timely resolution and effective stakeholder communication. Partner with Product Strategy, Sales, and Operations teams to provide local market knowledge and insights. Support incident and emergency response efforts, including availability outside standard office hours for escalated incidents. Contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and workforce planning activities to ensure Tour Director supply aligns with business demand. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and customer experience. Office Management Oversee regional office administration and vendor relationships. Ensure Kyoto Regional Office runs effectively for staff and as a Tour Director hub. Team Leadership Responsibilities Lead and develop a team of Regional Coordinators, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. Provide clear direction, coaching, and ongoing performance feedback. Conduct performance reviews and support individual development planning. Define roles, responsibilities, and delegation structures to ensure effective team operations. Support talent acquisition, onboarding, and development of new team members. Skills & Experience Minimum two years of operations experience with strong product knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to customer experience. Demonstrated understanding of Japanese culture and the ability to communicate effectively in Japan. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in fast-paced operational environments. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and coaching abilities Proven experience leading or developing people and building strong working relationships. Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution. Strong business acumen, including an understanding of cost management and operational efficiency. Experience managing operational incidents or complex customer situations is preferred. A customer-centric mindset. Enthusiasm for educational travel. Languages Required English Japanese Useful to Have Korean