At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage transportation suppliers and negotiate competitive rates for our clients.
- Company: Join HBX Group, a leading tech partner in the travel industry.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, diverse team, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and innovation in a rapidly changing environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming the travel experience.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in contracts negotiation and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
HBX Group is the world’s leading technological partner, connecting and empowering the world of travel. We’re game‑changers, disruptors, the people who bring together local and global brands in accommodation, transport, activities and payments through our network of 300,000 hotels worldwide. We serve 60,000 high‑value clients such as tour operators, travel agents and loyalty schemes across 140 source markets. We are tech‑driven, with a customer‑first philosophy, and commercial teams whose knowledge and relationships on the ground are second to none. Our team is the beating heart of the company and we encourage every member to ‘move fast, dream big and make the difference’ every day. We believe that tech + data + people set us apart, alongside our ‘global approach, local touch’ mentality.
Job Summary
We are seeking a commercially driven and highly organized professional to take on the role of Contracting Manager. The purpose of this role is to manage a portfolio of transportation suppliers within a defined geographical area, ensuring effective provision of multiple transportation services. You will be fully accountable for negotiating rates, terms, and conditions with suppliers, monitoring ongoing commercial and operational performance, and delivering contracts in line with internal governance and compliance frameworks. This role requires strong influencing and negotiation skills, a deep understanding of the travel and hospitality industry, and the ability to build long‑term, successful relationships with suppliers.
Responsibilities
- Develop and establish strong relationships with transportation suppliers within your portfolio.
- Negotiate the most competitive rates, terms, and conditions for Hotelbeds clients in both B2B and B2C environments.
- Ensure suppliers understand our value proposition and marketing tools to maximize their performance and competitiveness.
- Deliver contracts across the geographical area in line with internal contract cycle deadlines.
- Ensure all contracts meet internal governance, audit, and compliance frameworks.
- Act as the main point of contact for all commercial matters, including contracts, promotions, and amendments.
- Monitor supplier performance closely, working with the Pricing team to ensure competitiveness and availability.
- Support internal colleagues to ensure suppliers meet health and safety requirements and deliver agreed SLAs.
- Source new product requests to ensure full product coverage within the geographical area.
- Deliver a breadth of product in key gateways to meet client needs.
- Review competitive landscapes within gateways to ensure commercial and operational excellence.
Skillset and Experience Required
- Negotiation Expertise: Strong influencing and negotiation skills with proven ability to secure competitive agreements.
- Industry Knowledge: Solid experience and commercial understanding of the travel and hospitality industries, key competitors, and related technology.
- Relationship Management: Proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships using an open and consultative approach.
- Communication Skills: Highly developed verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Experience: 2+ years as a contracts negotiator. Previous experience in contracting and negotiation with suppliers. Travel industry experience highly beneficial.
- Languages: Excellent English (spoken and written); additional language skills that support negotiation are a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with cultural versatility and empathy.
- Passionate about customer satisfaction and committed to organizational excellence.
- High standards of personal integrity and values.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of channel managers and related systems.
At HBX Group, we believe that diversity drives innovation and makes travel a force for good. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, embracing different backgrounds, perspectives, and talents. Join us and be part of a team where diversity and equal opportunities really do make a difference. You will have the opportunity to work for a company that is going through significant change in becoming the world’s leading travel services provider. We are looking for people that are ready to ride the wave in this exciting journey.
Contracting Manager employer: HBX Group
At HBX Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our Global Corporate Secretary Paralegal role not only offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth in a multicultural setting. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and compliance, ensuring your contributions are meaningful and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracting Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like HBX Group who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Contracting Manager.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like HBX Group and give you a leg up for your Contracting Manager application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Contracting Manager openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracting Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Contracting Manager role at HBX Group.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Contracting Manager position at HBX Group.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of HBX Group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to HBX Group's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Contracting Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at HBX Group
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at HBX Group.
