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- Tasks: Lead business development and partnerships in the travel industry, creating unique experiences for clients.
- Company: Kensington delivers personalised travel experiences across 120 countries with local guides.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making travel unforgettable while building valuable global partnerships.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in partner relations or procurement, with strong leadership and negotiation skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity in our hiring process.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement)
Join to apply for the VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement) role at Kensington
VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement)
Join to apply for the VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement) role at Kensington
Kensington delivers the world’s most personal travel experiences. We bring to life each client’s desire to travel in a way that’s tailored specifically for them, in the company of local private guides who ensure that they enjoy the authentic best of their destination. The result is a unique journey rich in memories that last a lifetime.
We achieve this because of our extraordinary people, experts with deep knowledge of their destinations. For over 120 countries worldwide, and across each of our brands – Tours, Cruises, Villas, Yachts, Jets, and Air – their expertise powers our steadfast promise: See the world, differently.
To learn more about Kensington, visit kensingtontours.com
Job Description
Reporting to Kensington\’s SVP, Commercial, the VP, Business Development role is responsible for building and growing partnerships with Destination Management Company (DMC) partners in key markets across the globe. This involves seeking out new, strategic DMC partners, establishing profitable commercial frameworks, ensuring high quality of service for our travelers, and managing ongoing profitability of business relationships. This key position will work closely with the product, partner relations, operations, analytics, and sales teams within Kensington Tours.
Responsibilities
- Build, lead and develop a team of high-performing business development specialists dedicated to driving profitable business outcomes.
- Work with DMC partners to create travel experiences for Kensington customers that are unique and seamlessly delivered.
- Plan, organize, direct, and control the complete travel partner acquisition cycle from prospecting through contracting, onboarding, and ongoing evaluation of rates, services, and delivery.
- Negotiate service and distribution agreements with DMC partners of all sizes in all regions; Review contracts and concisely summarize key terms and red flags prior to signature.
- Ensure all suppliers meet key brand standards and contract requirements such as amenities, payment and cancellation terms, liability insurance, and marketing commitments.
- Understand and monitor the industry landscape to identify and onboard new DMC partners.
- Articulate Kensington’s unique value propositions to potential partners and represent Kensington at industry events.
- Own and lead business results meetings with partners and internal business stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive review of results and action items.
- Effectively coordinate with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure accomplishment of shared business objectives promoting a collaborative team environment.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10+ years partner relations, account management, and/or procurement experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder company. Travel industry experience preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years in supervisory and leadership roles.
- Experience with a global purchasing model and luxury services/product an asset.
- Advanced negotiation skills – able to deliver results while maintaining partner engagement.
- Proven ability to work through conflict, build trust, generate respect, and influence outcomes through outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills at all levels within the organization and with partners.
- Superior time management skills – able to work in a fast paced, changing environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
- Analytical mind set with ability to digest and communicate quantitative reports across multiple data sets.
- Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technologies.
- Upbeat personality, a hands-on team player and self-starter who can work in a lean environment with autonomy.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and an ability to communicate at all levels, both internally and externally with polish and professionalism.
- Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strong project management mindset and is hyper organized in approach in delivering and managing operations.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically yet maintain contact with day-to-day performance.
- Hands on with high energy, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a positive attitude.
- History of consistently meeting/exceeding targets and objectives personally and as a leader.
- Excellent presentation skills with a strong ability to present to senior-level executives.
- Ability to lead and drive multiple competing priorities and thrive in a fast paced and complex environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Strategy/Planning, Business Development, and General Business
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Industries
Travel Arrangements
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VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement) employer: Kensington
Contact Detail:
Kensington Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement)
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the travel industry, especially with Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential partners and showcase your expertise in building relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Kensington's unique value propositions. Understanding what sets Kensington apart will help you articulate these points effectively when engaging with potential DMC partners.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your negotiation skills by preparing case studies or examples of successful partnerships you've built in the past. This will show your ability to create profitable commercial frameworks.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in the travel industry. Being knowledgeable about market changes and emerging DMCs will position you as a valuable asset in identifying and onboarding new partners.
We think you need these skills to ace VP, Business Development (Travel Industry Procurement)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in partner relations, account management, and procurement within the travel industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build and maintain successful partnerships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership skills and experience in developing high-performing teams. Mention your advanced negotiation skills and how they have led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
Highlight Industry Knowledge: In your application, emphasise your understanding of the travel industry landscape and your experience with Destination Management Companies (DMCs). This will show Kensington that you are well-prepared for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Demonstrate your advanced written and verbal communication skills by ensuring your application is polished and professional. Include examples of how you've effectively communicated with senior-level executives and stakeholders in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensington
✨Research Kensington Thoroughly
Before the interview, dive deep into Kensington's offerings and values. Understand their unique selling propositions and how they differentiate themselves in the travel industry. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Given the emphasis on advanced negotiation skills in the job description, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or partnerships. Highlight how you maintained relationships while achieving favourable outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As this role requires leading a team of business development specialists, be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide specific examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Focus on your ability to inspire and drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in the travel industry, and how you overcame them while maintaining strong partner relationships.
