Senior Contracts Manager - Travel

We are representing a rapidly expanding travel specialist that is committed to providing transformative travel experiences. To support their continued growth, they are looking for a commercially astute Contracting Manager to optimise supplier relationships and secure the best possible buy-side terms for their product offerings.

The Role

The Contracting Manager will oversee the entire contracting process, manage cost control, and ensure the right inventory is in place to support the company\’s commercial growth. While there are no direct reports, this role will require mentoring and supporting the Product team, who handle the majority of supplier negotiations and purchasing.

Key responsibilities include driving efficiencies across contracts, service level agreements, and supplier agreements, while negotiating major contracts and room allocations with key accommodation and service partners. Your role will be critical in ensuring the company can meet demand while securing the best possible terms for long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Contracting & Commercial Agreements

• Take ownership of the contracting process to ensure agreements align with the company’s commercial goals.
• Standardise quote forms, service level agreements, and contract templates for efficiency and clarity in supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure contracts mitigate risk and maximise value.
• Negotiate and secure favourable commercial terms, including pricing, cancellation policies, and exclusivity agreements.

Strategic Supplier Management

• Lead high-level negotiations for major contracts, ensuring optimal terms with key suppliers.
• Secure room allocations and free-sell agreements with strategic accommodation partners to maintain availability during peak seasons.
• Build and maintain long-term, productive relationships with suppliers to ensure stability in the supply chain.
• Review the use of third-party Channel Managers or consolidator sites to ensure the company is securing the best deals.

Cost Control & Commercial Optimisation

• Ensure cost control measures are in place to protect margins while maintaining high-quality supplier performance and service standards.
• Work closely with finance and revenue management teams to track and optimise supplier spend.
• Support the Product team in identifying cost-saving opportunities while ensuring a competitive offering for customers.

Mentorship & Product Team Support

• Mentor and coach the Product team on best practices in negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Provide guidance on complex supplier negotiations, escalating support when necessary.
• Collaborate with Product, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure supplier agreements align with business goals and operational needs.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 5+ years in contracting, procurement, or commercial supplier negotiations, ideally within the travel sector
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to secure favourable commercial agreements, including room allocations and free-sell inventory.
• Cost Control Expertise: Strong understanding of cost structures, margin protection, and commercial optimisation.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Skilled at building and nurturing long-term strategic partnerships.
• Process & Operational Efficiency: Experience in streamlining and improving contract management processes.
• Commercial Mindset: A data-driven approach to supplier cost management and buy-side commercial performance.

Why This Is an Exciting Opportunity

• Work with a fast-growing, innovative travel company.
• Lead impactful negotiations that directly contribute to business success.
• Collaborate with a dynamic and supportive team where mentorship and leadership make a real difference.
• Influence supplier strategy and build valuable global partnerships.

Salary: Circa £50,000