At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hotel partnerships, negotiate deals, and manage contracts for a global travel brand.
- Company: Join Thomas Cook, the iconic travel brand, now part of eSky Group.
- Benefits: Remote work options, professional development time, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with an experienced leadership team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel by building direct hotel partnerships worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in hotel contracting and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
As the world’s oldest travel brand, Thomas Cook has been shaping travel since 1842. In September 2020, Thomas Cook returned as an online travel agency and is now part of the Polish-based eSky Group. Together, we develop solutions that inspire people to explore the world, turning these inspirations into experiences.
We’re building eSky Group’s direct hotel contracting capability from scratch, and this role makes it happen. As Contracting Manager, you’ll own the full lifecycle of direct hotel partnerships across the Group: from identifying the right properties and negotiating competitive deals to managing rates and tracking commercial impact. It’s a foundational role with real influence on how eSky Group evolves its hotel supply strategy globally.
What your journey with us will look like:
- Build and maintain a global pipeline of target hotels, prioritised by destination value and margin opportunity.
- Lead commercial negotiations: net rates, allotments, release periods, override structures.
- Own the full contract lifecycle from first outreach to signed agreement and internal activation.
- Monitor rate competitiveness of direct contracts vs. bedbank equivalents and act on gaps.
- Track performance of each contracted property and recommend renewals, renegotiations, or exits.
- Collaborate with Destination Management, Connectivity, and Commercial teams to align contracting with broader strategy.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in direct hotel contracting: negotiating net rates, allotments, release periods, and override structures with hotel partners.
- Solid commercial instinct: understanding margin dynamics, rate competitiveness, and how contract terms translate into business outcomes.
- Proven ability to manage a pipeline: prioritising targets, tracking progress, and converting opportunities into signed agreements.
- Confidence building relationships with hotel revenue managers, sales directors, and ownership groups.
- Experience monitoring and optimising contracted portfolio performance: knowing when to renew, renegotiate, or exit.
- Comfortable working cross‑functionally: aligning contracting priorities with commercial, destination, and technical teams.
- Fluent in English.
- Actively uses AI tools in daily work or eager to start.
Nice to have:
- Contracting experience in Mediterranean destinations (Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Croatia, or similar).
- Familiarity with bedbank economics and how direct contracting stacks up commercially.
- Background in rate loading and allotment management across booking systems or channel managers.
- Experience working with connectivity or technical teams on supplier onboarding.
- Some experience leading or mentoring others: this is an individual contributor role for now, but we’d love someone ready to grow into building a team.
Here’s what you get when you travel with us:
- You can work remotely from the UK or from our co-working space in London.
- A real opportunity to shape and grow an international brand.
- Close collaboration with an experienced leadership team.
- High level of ownership and autonomy.
- Time for learning: you can dedicate 2 hours per week to your professional development.
- AXA medical care partnership.
- Life Insurance.
- Annual leave allowance + 8 days UK bank holidays.
- Flexible working arrangements.
Hotel Contracting Manager (f/m/x) - Thomas Cook employer: Thomas Cook
At Thomas Cook, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of travel. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, our Hotel Contracting Manager role allows you to make a significant impact while enjoying the benefits of remote work or a vibrant London co-working space. Join us to be part of a historic brand that values innovation and growth in the dynamic world of tourism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hotel Contracting Manager (f/m/x) - Thomas Cook
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Hotel Contracting Manager (f/m/x) - Thomas Cook
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 Hotel Contracting Manager (f/m/x) - Thomas Cook role at Thomas Cook.
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 Hotel Contracting Manager (f/m/x) - Thomas Cook position at Thomas Cook.
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 Thomas Cook.
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 Thomas Cook's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Hotel Contracting Manager (f/m/x) - Thomas Cook.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Cook
✨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 Thomas Cook.
