Director - Talent & Performance Management
Director - Talent & Performance Management

Director - Talent & Performance Management

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead hotel supply strategy and manage a senior team to drive commercial performance.
  • Company: Join a leading global travel company known for its innovative and tech-forward approach.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 25 days leave plus birthday off, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of travel with exciting growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in hotel contracting and team management, strong negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Access to training courses, social events, and a referral bonus.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

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, a hybrid working model with a meal allowance on in-office days, 25 days of annual leave plus your birthday off, and access to private medical cover and gym membership. You’ll also benefit from exclusive industry discounts and company-funded social events. 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. 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 Drive improvements in contracting processes through data-led decision-making and internal initiatives 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 Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Willingness to travel within the region as required Great basic salary, plus a referral bonus and a season ticket loan ~25 days of annual leave, a day off on your birthday, enhanced parental leave, and one volunteering day off ~ Hybrid 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. If this role ticks your boxes and you’ve got the relevant experience, then click and apply Please visit our website 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. Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Industries Travel Arrangements Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Ambitions Travel Recruitment by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Contracting” roles. Volunteer Operations Director | St Albans Community Bank We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #

Director - Talent & Performance Management employer: Ambitions Travel Recruitment

As a leading global travel company, we pride ourselves on our innovative and tech-forward approach to the tourism industry, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including a competitive salary, hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and exclusive discounts, all while being part of a diverse international team dedicated to delivering exceptional service. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, we are committed to nurturing talent and recognising achievements within our vibrant workplace culture.
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Contact Detail:

Ambitions Travel Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director - Talent & Performance Management

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the travel and hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in hotel contracting. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and partners, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the leading hotels and chains in the UK and Ireland market. Understanding their business models and current challenges will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your knowledge of the industry.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful negotiations and partnerships you've managed in the past. Highlighting your achievements in driving commercial performance will showcase your capability for the Director role.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with data analysis tools and techniques relevant to hotel performance metrics. Being able to speak confidently about how you use data to inform decision-making will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Director - Talent & Performance Management

Strategic Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Commercial Acumen
Data Analysis
Team Leadership
Contracting Expertise
Market Analysis
Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in hotel contracting and team management. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any successful partnerships you've built in the UK and Ireland market.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the travel industry and your strategic vision for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven commercial performance and improved processes in previous positions.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, as data-led decision-making is crucial for this role. Also, mention your willingness to travel and any relevant certifications or training.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Detail your experience managing teams and leading strategic initiatives. Provide examples of how you've motivated your team and collaborated with internal stakeholders to achieve business goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitions Travel Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

As a Director of Talent & Performance Management, strong negotiation skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or built strategic partnerships. This will demonstrate your ability to drive commercial performance.

✨Highlight Team Management Experience

With a senior team to manage, it's important to showcase your leadership style and team management experience. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and the strategies you've used to foster collaboration and achieve results.

✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making

The role requires improvements in contracting processes through data-led decisions. Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis to identify trends and make informed decisions in previous roles, particularly in hotel contracting.

✨Research the Company and Industry Trends

Familiarise yourself with the travel industry and the specific company you're interviewing with. Understanding their market position, recent developments, and competitors will allow you to ask insightful questions and show your genuine interest in the role.

Director - Talent & Performance Management
Ambitions Travel Recruitment
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