AI & Business Systems Executive

Somak has specialised in luxury travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for more than 55 years. Our ambition is not simply to remain one of the UK's leading tour operators—we want to become one of the most technologically advanced travel companies in our sector.

Artificial Intelligence is central to that ambition.

We are looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to combine software development, AI, business analysis and commercial thinking to help shape the future of our business.

The Opportunity

This is not a conventional software development role.

Nor is it an IT support position.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive and our lead systems architect to understand how Somak operates and identify opportunities to improve the business through technology, automation and AI.

Initially, your focus will be on understanding and enhancing our existing systems. Over time, you will help build the next generation of technology that supports every part of the business—from reservations and marketing to finance, operations and customer service.

What You'll Do

• Develop and enhance Somak's internal business systems.

• Build AI-powered tools that improve productivity across the business.

• Automate repetitive business processes using modern AI technologies.

• Work alongside our lead systems architect to understand and develop our existing platform.

• Design and develop new functionality using appropriate technologies.

• Analyse business processes and recommend improvements.

• Work directly with business users to understand their requirements.

• Use AI tools such as Claude and ChatGPT intelligently throughout your work, whilst always applying your own judgement.

• Produce well-structured documentation, technical designs and business recommendations.

What We're Looking For

We're far more interested in how you think than in the number of programming languages you know.

You should ideally have:

• A strong interest in Artificial Intelligence and its practical application.

• Experience of software development and database technologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Curiosity about how businesses operate.

• Excellent communication skills.

• The ability to learn quickly and work independently.

• A willingness to challenge existing processes and suggest better ways of working.

• The confidence to explain technical concepts to non-technical colleagues.

Experience with SQL, C#, Python, APIs, cloud platforms or AI frameworks would be advantageous, but we are more interested in your ability to learn than in any specific technology stack.

What Success Looks Like

During your first year you will:

• Develop a strong understanding of Somak's systems and business processes.

• Become a trusted member of our technology team.

• Deliver practical AI solutions that improve productivity.

• Reduce our dependence on external software development.

• Help establish a technology capability that supports the long-term growth of the business.

Why Join Us?

At Somak, you'll be joining a friendly and supportive team with a strong social culture. From company-wide celebrations like our Summer Barbecue and Christmas Party to regular team events throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities to build connections and have fun along the way.

We're committed to helping our people grow, which is why we invest in professional development through external training courses and learning opportunities designed to support your career progression.

One of the most exciting parts of working at Somak is the chance to travel. As a specialist tour operator, we regularly provide opportunities for our team to experience the destinations we sell firsthand. Not only does this help you build valuable product knowledge, but it also offers unforgettable experiences and a unique insight into the travel industry.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the technology strategy of an established, privately owned business.

Rather than maintaining existing systems, you'll have the opportunity to influence how AI, automation and modern software are used to transform the way the company operates over the coming years.

If you're excited by solving real business problems with technology, we'd love to hear from you.