At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of our global hotel portfolio with strategic buying and partnerships.
- Company: Join British Airways Holidays, a leader in creating unforgettable travel experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, travel discounts, and health benefits from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on travel experiences while working with an iconic global brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying and negotiation within the travel industry is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At British Airways Holidays, we don’t just sell holidays – we create memories. Whether it’s handpicked hotels, curated car hire, or unforgettable experiences, we help our customers make the most of their time away. And it all starts with our people.
We’re a thriving business, passionate about travel and part of IAG Loyalty, the people behind the global loyalty currency, Avios. Each business has its own goals, strategy and team, but collectively we share a purpose to create the world’s most rewarding experiences for our customers through holidays, loyalty programmes and new products.
We’re on a truly exciting journey of growth and transformation – we’re going places! This is where you come in.
Destination Manager - Shape the future of our global hotel portfolio
At British Airways Holidays, our Destination Team sits at the very heart of the business. The hotels we choose, the partnerships we build, and the destinations we develop are fundamental to the success of our iconic brand.
As a Destination Manager you will take full accountability for your region – shaping it end-to-end, defining the buying and supplier strategy, and driving commercial performance with the backing, scale and stability of one of the world’s most prestigious travel brands. Roles with this level of influence, autonomy and long-term impact don’t come along often.
Why this role is different
- True ownership – you own your region from strategy through to delivery.
- High business impact – your decisions directly influence profitability, customer experience and the strength of our global portfolio.
- End-to-end accountability – from sourcing and selection to negotiation, performance management and product quality.
- Iconic brand backing – negotiate and build with the weight, credibility and long-term stability of British Airways Holidays behind you.
- Partnership, not transactions – you’ll negotiate hard, but always with a long-term, relationship-led mindset.
What you’ll be doing
- Own and implement the buying and supplier strategy for your region, ensuring it delivers against commercial, quality and customer objectives.
- Identify, develop and introduce new hotel partners and destination product that unlock commercial opportunity.
- Build and manage strong, long-term partnerships with hotel suppliers – balancing commercial negotiation with trust and collaboration.
- Secure optimum commercial terms, delivered on time and fully aligned with our Health, Fire & Safety and legal requirements.
- Work closely with Yield Management to maximise profitability, using booking data, web analytics, competitor insight and inventory performance.
- Represent British Airways Holidays in a professional and confident manner, both in the UK and overseas.
- Lead and inspire your team, setting clear standards, direction and pace.
What you’ll bring
- A strong track record of buying, negotiation and commercial delivery within the travel industry. Experience with hotel connectivity an advantage.
- Proven experience of managing destination or product portfolios end-to-end.
- The drive and commercial instinct to spot opportunities, pursue them creatively, and maximise value for your region.
- Credibility and gravitas to negotiate at senior levels, while building lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.
- A collaborative leadership style that develops teams and brings stakeholders with you.
- Strong analytical capability, using data to inform decisions and shape commercial outcomes.
- Excellent influencing, problem-solving and judgement skills in a fast-paced, multi-layered environment.
- A passion for quality, with a constant focus on standards, safety and brand reputation.
- Willingness to travel and represent the business internationally.
- A full UK driving licence and confidence driving abroad.
- The ability to work from our Crawley office at least two days a week.
Why British Airways Holidays?
You’ll be trusted to lead, empowered to decide, and supported by the strength, scale and stability of an iconic global brand. If you’re looking for a role where your expertise truly shapes outcomes – and where the partnerships you build today will define success for years to come – this is that opportunity.
What we can offer you
- 26 days holiday a year, increasing by one day for every two complete years’ service, to a maximum of 30 days – plus bank holidays. With the option to buy or sell 5 more.
- Unlimited standby and premium standby fares for you and your nominees (on the BA network and partner airlines) from day one.
- Holiday and flight discounts for you, friends, and family from day one.
- Flexible working hours.
- Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
- Pension contributions (6% company/3% employee).
- Private medical and dental cover with BUPA. Paid options to cover partner and children.
- Enhanced Primary and Co-Parent Leave.
- Enjoy up to 20 days working in Europe a calendar year under our hybrid working policy.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric/ULEV car scheme.
- Ability to purchase Avios from salary at a discounted rate.
- Wellbeing and recognition programmes to support and celebrate you.
Our offices are based in central Crawley and we offer hybrid working (within the UK only). Generally, this role works from our offices twice a week, with additional days as needed depending on meetings etc. Office days are coordinated so that colleagues in the same team are in the office together to collaborate in person. We usually support new colleagues in the office full time for the training period and you adopt our hybrid working model once you are fully ready.
What Makes Us Special
You do! Our people bring the energy, the warmth, and the ideas that make British Airways Holidays extraordinary. As we grow, you’ll have the chance to grow too – with real opportunities to develop your skills and your career.
Diversity, equality & inclusion are all important to us. We believe a diverse and inclusive workplace contributes to our sense of wellbeing and belonging, enabling us all to thrive professionally and personally.
We aim to be inclusive – everyone feels valued and respected as an individual.
We aim to ensure equality and equity – everyone treated fairly as individuals with recognition of unique differences.
We aim to be diverse – with a mix of colleagues representing our community.
Closing date for applications is 1st February. Please note – we may close this vacancy early if we receive lots of applications or business priorities change.
Destination Manager in London employer: British Airways
Contact Detail:
British Airways Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Destination Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the travel industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at British Airways Holidays. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand British Airways Holidays' values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your buying and negotiation prowess. Use data to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in the travel industry!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining British Airways Holidays and ready to embark on this exciting journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Destination Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel: When writing your application, let your love for travel shine through! Share personal experiences or insights that connect you to the role of Destination Manager. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission to create unforgettable holidays.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight relevant experience in buying, negotiation, and managing destination portfolios. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their understanding of the travel industry and how they can contribute to our success.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, so ensure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to show you’re serious about joining our team at British Airways Holidays.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Know Your Destination
Before the interview, dive deep into the destinations you’ll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the hotels, local attractions, and any unique selling points. This will not only show your passion for travel but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve secured beneficial terms for your company. Highlight how you balanced commercial interests with building long-term relationships. This is crucial for a Destination Manager, so make sure to articulate your approach clearly.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Brush up on your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Whether it’s booking data or competitor insights, showing that you can leverage analytics to drive commercial performance will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Think about your leadership style and how you inspire teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you’ve led a team through challenges or driven successful projects. British Airways Holidays values collaborative leadership, so showcasing this will resonate well.