At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and execute regional chain strategies to drive growth and strengthen partnerships.
- Company: Join WebBeds, a leader in the travel industry with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career advancement in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the travel sector while building strategic relationships.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in hotel contracting or strategic roles; strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Regional Chains Director is responsible for leading, developing, and executing the regional chain strategy to drive sustainable growth, strengthen strategic partnerships, and increase WebBeds’ market share across assigned regions. This role owns the senior-level relationships with key regional hotel chain partners and provides strategic direction to the Regional Chains team to maximize commercial performance, portfolio expansion, and long-term value creation.
Working cross‑functionally with Global Chains, Contracting, Partner Success, Supplier Optimization, Connectivity, Sales, and Marketing teams, the Director ensures alignment between regional execution and global chain objectives. The role requires a strong commercial leader with deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to translate high‑level strategy into measurable results.
Responsibilities
- Define and own the regional chain strategy, aligned with global chains objectives, to drive incremental revenue growth and market share.
- Lead and manage the Regional Chains team (>4FTE), providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure delivery of agreed KPIs.
- Own senior‑level relationships with priority regional and global hotel chains, acting as executive sponsor and escalation point.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new chain opportunities within the region in collaboration with Global Chains and Regional Leadership.
- Ensure optimal commercial outcomes by overseeing chain contract negotiations, renewals, and compliance with agreed timelines and standards.
- Drive regional chain portfolio performance through pricing, availability, inventory, and product optimization in partnership with Partner Success, Supplier Optimization, and Contracting teams.
- Chair and participate in high‑level quarterly business reviews with key chain partners to review performance, align strategy, and identify growth opportunities.
- Collaborate with regional and destination contracting teams to ensure alignment on chain strategies, targets, and hotel‑level execution.
- Partner with supplier connectivity and loading teams to define preferred connectivity strategies and ensure scalable, high‑quality chain onboarding.
- Monitor regional chain performance trends, risks, and opportunities, using data‑driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
- Act as escalation point for complex commercial, service, or operational issues impacting regional chain partners.
- Drive the negotiation and execution of regional exclusives, value adds, overrides, and joint marketing initiatives across WebBeds platforms.
- Represent WebBeds at key industry events, tradeshows, and executive‑level partner meetings to strengthen market presence and relationships.
- Ensure effective internal communication and alignment between Global Chains, Sales, Marketing, and regional teams to maximize promotion of chain content.
- Support Health and Safety compliance and ensure required reporting is completed and up to date.
Qualifications
- Extensive contracting and commercial experience within the hotel and/or travel industry.
- Proven ability to build, manage, and grow senior‑level strategic partnerships with hotel chains.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
- Fluent in English (additional regional languages highly beneficial).
- Communicate internally and externally in a professional manner in line with corporate guidelines and leadership expectations.
Skills
- Willingness to travel frequently within the region and internationally as required.
- Strong strategic leadership and people management skills, with experience leading multi‑market or regional teams.
- Excellent commercial acumen with a strong understanding of regional and global distribution models.
- Highly developed negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Data‑driven decision‑maker with strong analytical capabilities and financial awareness.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, able to engage effectively at executive level.
- Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities.
- Collaborative leadership style with a strong focus on cross‑functional teamwork and accountability.
- Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in hotel contracting, chain management, or strategic commercial roles within OTAs, bedbanks, or tour operators.
- Strong understanding of dynamic and static contracting models across multiple regions.
- Fluency in one or more additional European languages.
Regional Chains Director - London employer: WebBeds
WebBeds is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in the travel and e-commerce sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we offer numerous opportunities for professional advancement while working alongside passionate individuals in a fast-paced environment. Join us in our vibrant location and be part of a team that values innovation and impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Chains Director - London
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Regional Chains Director - London
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 Regional Chains Director - London role at WebBeds.
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 Regional Chains Director - London position at WebBeds.
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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 WebBeds's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Regional Chains Director - London.
How to prepare for a job interview at WebBeds
✨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!
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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 WebBeds.
