At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting experience categories like Hotels and Wellness while building strong partner relationships.
- Company: Join a leading experience gift brand with a vibrant culture and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working hours, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid role with great growth opportunities and fun team celebrations.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of creating unforgettable experiences and drive your career forward.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or sales, with a passion for relationship building.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We're looking for a commercially minded, proactive Partnerships Specialist to join our Partnerships team and take ownership of key experience categories. While our team manages a vibrant portfolio of experiences, we are specifically looking for someone with exposure to or a passion for the Hotels, Short Breaks, Spa, or Wellness sectors. We also welcome candidates from the broader hospitality, leisure, and wellness space who have transferable commercial skills and want to step up to drive these exciting categories.
About the role
As a Partnerships Specialist, you’ll step up to take day-to-day commercial ownership of designated experience categories with a focus on Hotels, Short Breaks, Spa, and Wellness. Whether it’s securing unique overnight escapes, boutique hotel stays, thermal spa days, or relaxing pamper packages, you’ll relish finding the next best experience for our customers while learning to optimise commercial performance. You will support and proactively manage partner accounts, develop strong business relationships to boost sales, and optimize account performance - working closely with leadership on margin strategy and buying-in margins (BIM). This role is a brilliant opportunity for an ambitious executive looking to take the next step in their career. It requires a sharp commercial mindset, a natural flair for relationship building, and a foundational understanding of the Hotels or Spa categories, or broader experience across hospitality, leisure and wellness. You’ll reach out to decision-makers, pitch our brand, and help negotiate terms to build strong, lasting partner relationships. This is a full-time, hybrid role, with a minimum of 2 days office-based per week (Tuesdays mandatory). Our office is located in Bourne End (Buckinghamshire, SL8 5YS).
What you'll do:
- Category Ownership & Management: Support the commercial management of assigned categories (Hotels & Short Breaks / Spa & Wellness), helping to drive sales volume, revenue, and margin improvement (BIM).
- Partner Onboarding & Growth: Identify exciting market opportunities, reach out to prospective partners, and onboard quality hotel, staycation, and spa suppliers to expand our geographical coverage.
- Account Optimization & Data Insights: Use Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI to track and report on partner performance, using sales data to spot growth opportunities and make smart product recommendations.
- Pitching & Negotiation: Present our value proposition to prospective partners, learning to comfortably negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and availability.
- Joint Promotional Planning: Collaborate with partners to introduce new packages, seasonal offers, and supplier-backed deals aligned with our marketing campaigns.
- Industry Trend Spotting: Stay curious about key trends across hospitality, travel, and wellness—attending industry events and using market insights to keep our offering fresh and competitive.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams (Product Support, Customer Service, and Marketing) to ensure smooth onboarding, clear communication, and seamless operations for our partners.
What you'll need:
- Industry Exposure: Commercial, account management, or sales support experience within Hotels or Spa. Transferable background across the broader hospitality, leisure, travel, or wellness sectors is also strongly welcomed.
- Commercial Mindset: A good grasp of sales numbers, basic margin calculations, and an interest in learning how commercial deals impact business growth.
- Relationship & Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to pitch to new prospects, present ideas clearly, and build rapport easily.
- Negotiation Potential: A drive to convert leads, overcome objections, and negotiate win-win outcomes with partners.
- Agility & Curiosity: High energy, comfort working in a fast-paced environment, and an eagerness to learn and grow your career within experience partnerships.
Perks to make work feel less ordinary:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 2 days each year.
- 2 days in-office (Tuesdays a mandatory in-office day), Flexi-working hours around our core 10-4, so your day works for you (8.5 hours per day with a 1 hour lunch).
- Access to an award-winning employee assistance programme; Health Plan cover (plus family add-ons) with cash back for a variety of health & wellbeing costs; Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes (post probation).
- Company pension (5% you, 3% us) after 3 months; Discretionary bonus and life assurance after probation.
- 2 volunteer days each year; Free breakfast when in the office; Personal re-loadable multi-choice gift card (topped up on your birthday, lifetime milestones and internal celebrations); Yearly £150 experience voucher; Discounts on experiences and across the Virgin Group; Refer a Friend bonus and generous team celebrations throughout the year.
About us
The home of anti-ordinary gifts. The best things in life aren’t things. It’s why we gift the way we do. We’re one of the world’s leading experience gift brands, making it easy to give the unexpected and deepen connections through anti-ordinary gifting. In the UK, you'll know us as Virgin Experience Days - one of the first brands to pioneer the premise that the best gifts can't be boxed, way back in 1988. We kicked things off with track days and flying experiences. Now we're home to more than 5,000 amazing experience gifts - from immersive theatre, to virtual reality, VIP stadium tours, Michelin-starred dining and more. Operating in the US as Virgin Gifts, we're proudly part of the Virgin family, working alongside the likes of Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages to deliver extraordinary experiences everywhere.
Partnerships Specialist in Bourne End employer: Virgin Experience days
At Virgin Experience Days, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our hybrid working policy, generous health benefits, and access to unique experiences within the Virgin Group, all while working in a modern office environment in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. Join us as we redefine unforgettable experiences and enjoy the flexibility and support that comes with being part of our innovative Technology team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships Specialist in Bourne End
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Virgin Experience days. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Virgin Experience days
Don't be shy about reaching out to Virgin Experience days directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Specialist in Bourne End
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Virgin Experience days and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Experience days
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
