Freelance Programme Manager

The role:

We are looking for a strategic, relationship-led Freelance Programme Manager to build, support, and scale our freelance guide and tour leader network across Japan and selected InsideAsia Tours destinations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring we consistently deliver high‑quality, culturally rich experiences for our clients while meeting operational demand as the business grows.

Based primarily in Japan, you will take ownership of recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing support of our freelance guides and tour leaders, with a growing remit across Asia. You’ll work closely with Field Operations, Sales, Product, and Delivery teams to ensure the right people are in place, at the right time, delivering experiences that reflect our brands and values. If you enjoy building trusted relationships, improving systems, and making a tangible impact on customer experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities:

Lead, support, and develop a high‑performing network of freelance guides and tour leaders across Japan and expanding InsideAsia destinations.

Oversee end‑to‑end freelance lifecycle activity, including recruitment, onboarding, training, quality assurance, and performance management.

Ensure sufficient freelance capacity to meet business demand while maintaining high standards of delivery and professionalism.

Work closely with internal teams (Field Operations, Sales, Product, Booking Delivery, Marketing, POD) to align guide capability with operational needs.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with DMCs and external partners in non‑Japan destinations.

Embed Inside Travel Group’s values and Impact commitments into freelance delivery on the ground.

Improve processes, systems, and ways of working to increase efficiency, scalability, and consistency.

Analyse feedback and performance data to drive continuous improvement in guide quality and client experience.

What we are looking for from you:

Strong knowledge of the Asia tourism industry, with hands‑on experience leading or supporting tours.

Proven experience managing geographically dispersed teams or freelance networks.

A strategic, solutions‑focused mindset with the ability to balance quality, capacity, and growth.

An empathetic, approachable leadership style with strong coaching and communication skills.

Confidence working with senior internal and external stakeholders across functions and cultures.

Willingness and ability to travel within Japan and across Asia when required.

Strong organisational and IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office tools.

You don’t need to meet every requirement. If you’re motivated, passionate, and think you’d be a great fit, we would love to hear from you. As an equal opportunities' employer, we're committed to making our recruitment process inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know.

What you get in return:

Japanese Health Insurance, Employee’ Pension Scheme, Employment Insurance, and Labour Accident Compensation
23 days annual leave
Day off on your birthday
Volunteering leave
Annual Health Check
Employee Assistance Program
Extensive travel throughout Asia
Subsistence allowance during tours and other travel for work
Designated learning and development time
Annual discretionary company performance bonus
Hybrid/remote working options in line with our flexible working policy (with onboarding likely in-office initially).

How to apply:

We will be reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of applications, we may close the application process before the stated deadline if we receive enough qualified candidates. Please note that all applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. While we do not provide visa sponsorship, applications from candidates on valid, time-limited visas are welcome.

Closing Date: Tuesday 12th May 2026

First Interviews: On a rolling basis

Second Interviews: On a rolling basis

Freelance Programme Manager

Build and scale a high‑quality freelance guide network across Japan and Asia, shaping unforgettable client experiences and supporting cultural adventure travel at its best.