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- Tasks: Lead hotel supply strategy and manage a high-performing contracting team across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join a leading global travel company known for innovation and a tech-forward approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work, private medical insurance, and amazing discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and company-funded social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the travel industry while enjoying flexible working and great perks.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in hotel contracting with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTING UK / IRELAND
REMOTE UK
EXCELLENT PLUS 20 % BONUS PLUS AMAZING BENEFITS
Our Customer:
We’re recruiting EXCLUSIVELY on behalf of a leading global travel company recognised for its innovative, fast-paced, and tech-forward approach to the tourism industry. With a footprint in more than 120 countries and an impressive international team, they continue to set the benchmark for delivering smart, streamlined services to partners and customers around the world.
With a strong emphasis on commercial performance and product development, they are now looking for an experienced and driven Director of Contracting UK / Ireland to lead strategic initiatives and supplier relationships across the region.
In return, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits, including a highly competitive salary, remote/flexible working model and access to private medical exclusive industry discounts and company-funded social events.
Job Description:
In this role, you will lead the hotel supply strategy across the UK and Ireland, managing a senior team and working closely with internal stakeholders and hotel partners to drive commercial performance, strengthen market competitiveness, and deliver long-term value.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing contracting team to meet strategic objectives
- Define and implement the hotel partnership strategy in line with business goals
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key hotels and chains to drive long-term value
- Negotiate competitive rates, inventory, and availability to maximise sales performance
- Analyse regional portfolio performance to identify trends, gaps, and growth opportunities
- Align contracting efforts with demand trends and overall business growth strategies
- Collaborate with peers across Northern Europe to ensure consistency and share best practices
- Work cross-functionally with Sales, Revenue, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams
- Promote the company's value proposition to secure and strengthen supplier partnerships
- Drive improvements in contracting processes through data-led decision-making and internal initiatives
Experience Required:
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in hotel contracting and team management, with a proven track record in hotel partnerships and commercial management within the UK and Ireland market
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills, able to develop and maintain trusted partnerships with hoteliers and colleagues
- Proactive leader with the ability to motivate and delegate effectively within a team environment
- Excellent attention to detail, with well-developed written and verbal communication skills for internal and external stakeholders
- Able to perform well under pressure, driven by targets, and motivated to succeed
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Skilled in managing expectations and communicating clearly and promptly both internally and externally
- Willingness to travel within the region as required
Benefits and Perks:
- Great basic salary
- 25 days of annual leave, a day off on your birthday, enhanced parental leave, and one volunteering day off
- Hybrid or Remote working environment with a smart casual dress code and a meal allowance on office days
- Private medical insurance, gym membership, flu vaccinations, eye test contributions (plus £45 towards frames), and access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Family and friends’ hotel discounts, travel discounts, Eurostar, and Merlin Entertainment concession fares
- Cycle to work scheme and access to a variety of training and development courses
- Reward and recognition scheme (Star Awards), company-funded social events, and a long service award
Click here to apply for this Director of Contracting UK / Ireland job, which is being recruited by Fiona Morrison-Arnthal and Ambitions Travel Recruitment, a boutique recruitment agency, specialising in leisure travel and luxury hospitality roles, and known for sourcing hard-to-find talent.
IMPORTANT
- If this role ticks your boxes and you’ve got the relevant experience, then click and apply
- If this role isn’t for you but you’d be keen to receive suitable job alerts, then register with us now www.ambitionstravelrecruitment.com
- Due to the massive number of applications, we receive, we’re usually only able to reply to candidates whose requirements meet our customers’ needs. We’re super grateful that you take the time to apply, and we will save your CV and be in touch for other suitable roles
- Please visit our website www.ambitionstravelrecruitment.com for our full privacy policy which explains how we store and access your personal data and our candidate promise to never share your details with an employer without your prior consent etc.
DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTING UK / IRELAND employer: Ambitions Travel & Luxury Hospitality Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ambitions Travel & Luxury Hospitality Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTING UK / IRELAND
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the travel industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at leading companies. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and well-informed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Director of Contracting, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our network.
We think you need these skills to ace DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTING UK / IRELAND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Contracting role. Highlight your experience in hotel partnerships and team management, as well as any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Use it to showcase your negotiation skills and relationship-building experience, and don’t forget to mention your passion for the travel industry!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and any successful projects you've managed. We want to see how you motivate and develop your team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitions Travel & Luxury Hospitality Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Contracting, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of commercial performance. Brush up on key metrics related to hotel partnerships and be ready to discuss how you've driven sales performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires leading a high-performing team. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you align team goals with business objectives.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiation skills are crucial for this position. Think of a few challenging negotiation scenarios you've faced and how you successfully navigated them. This will show your potential employer that you're not just experienced but also strategic in your approach.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s value proposition and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This shows that you’re not only a fit for the role but also for the company culture, which is vital in a collaborative environment.