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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and supplier relationships in a dynamic travel company.
- Company: Join a century-old, award-winning family-run travel company known for exceptional guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, travel discounts, wellness perks, and a fantastic team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values upskilling and offers memorable company events.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in international teams and strong procurement skills required.
- Other info: This role includes exciting opportunities for travel and digital transformation initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTING
LONDON – HYBRID
FANTASTIC BASIC DOE PLUS 20% BONUS AND AMAZING BENEFITS
Our Customer:
We are thrilled to be EXCLUSIVELY recruiting a Senior Director of Contracting for this globally acclaimed, award-winning Travel Company, as part of their continued business growth.
With a legacy spanning over a century, they stand as a family-run establishment committed to delivering specialised travel services that leave guests feeling truly cherished.
As the Senior Director of Contracting, you'll enjoy hybrid working, strong team support, and opportunities for upskilling and travel. Benefits include paid product exploration trips, remote working allowance, pension contributions, wellness perks, and memorable company events.
Job Description:
In this role, you will lead the strategic procurement agenda, ensuring effective supplier selection, contracting, and performance to support brand excellence, cost efficiency, and operational success across the business.
- Set and execute the strategic procurement direction in line with business goals
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to maintain a commercial advantage
- Ensure all procurement aligns with brand standards, controls costs, and delivers consistent guest experiences
- Drive direct contracting with suppliers where commercially viable across key regions
- Oversee supplier relationships and core procurement functions including accommodation, ground handlers, transport, and experiences
- Approve contracts, ensuring legal, GDPR, and insurance compliance
- Lead digital transformation of procurement processes to improve accuracy, reporting, and efficiency
- Oversee reservations and inventory processes, ensuring service delivery meets guest expectations
- Manage transport operations, aligning logistics with itineraries and resolving supplier issues
- Lead and develop a high-performing management team, ensuring compliance and supporting DEI and employee engagement initiatives
Experience Required:
- Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary, international teams
- Strong EMEA supplier sourcing and contract negotiation skills
- Solid experience in procurement and cost control
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial insight
- Skilled at managing senior stakeholder relationships
- Track record of driving operational efficiency across regions
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, CRM, and procurement systems
- Experience leading digital transformation initiatives
- Strong people management and talent development ability
- Travel or hospitality industry background, EMEA focus preferred
Benefits and Perks:
- Fantastic salary
- 20% Bonus
- Hybrid working
- Fantastic team environment with great team support
- Volunteering benefits
- Training and up-skilling
- Travel discounts
- Paid vacation to explore products
- Annual remote working allowance
- Company Pension
- Childcare and Commute Benefits
- GYM benefits
- Company events you don’t want to miss
- Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Click here to apply for this Senior Director of Contracting, travel industry job, which is being recruited by Fiona Morrison-Arnthal and Ambitions Travel Recruitment, a boutique recruitment agency, specialising in travel and hospitality roles, and known for sourcing hard-to-find talent.
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Senior Director of Contracting employer: Ambitions Travel Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ambitions Travel Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of Contracting
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the travel and hospitality industry to connect with professionals who may have insights into the role. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives in procurement and contracting. Being knowledgeable about their current strategies will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with digital transformation in procurement processes. Highlight specific examples of how you've improved efficiency and accuracy, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Senior Director of Contracting.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in supplier sourcing and contract negotiation, particularly within the EMEA region. This knowledge will not only enhance your application but also equip you for discussions with senior stakeholders during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of Contracting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, supplier management, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas, particularly within the travel or hospitality industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and commercial insight. Explain how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their continued success in the travel sector.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in contract negotiation, digital transformation, and team management. Mention any specific tools or systems you are proficient in, such as Microsoft 365 or CRM software, that are relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Detail your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing senior stakeholder relationships. Provide examples of how you've driven operational efficiency and supported employee engagement initiatives in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitions Travel Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Director of Contracting, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed teams and drove operational efficiency.
✨Understand the Travel Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and competitor activities in the travel sector. Being able to discuss these insights during your interview will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also strategic in your thinking.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Expertise
Since the role involves supplier sourcing and contract negotiation, be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts. Highlight your approach and the outcomes achieved to illustrate your skills.
✨Prepare for Digital Transformation Discussions
The company is looking for someone who can lead digital transformation initiatives. Be prepared to talk about your experience with procurement systems and how you've improved processes through technology in previous roles.
