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Our Customer:

We’re recruiting EXCLUSIVELY on behalf of a leading global travel company recognised for its innovative, fast-paced, and tech-forward approach to the tourism industry. With a footprint in more than 120 countries and an impressive international team, they continue to set the benchmark for delivering smart, streamlined services to partners and customers around the world.

With a strong emphasis on commercial performance and product development, they are now looking for an experienced and driven Director of Contracting UK / Ireland to lead strategic initiatives and supplier relationships across the region.

In return, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits, including a highly competitive salary, a hybrid working model with a meal allowance on in-office days, 25 days of annual leave plus your birthday off, and access to private medical cover and gym membership. You’ll also benefit from exclusive industry discounts and company-funded social events.

Job Description:

In this role, you will lead the hotel supply strategy across the UK and Ireland, managing a senior team and working closely with internal stakeholders and hotel partners to drive commercial performance, strengthen market competitiveness, and deliver long-term value.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing contracting team to meet strategic objectives
• Define and implement the hotel partnership strategy in line with business goals
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key hotels and chains to drive long-term value
• Negotiate competitive rates, inventory, and availability to maximise sales performance
• Analyse regional portfolio performance to identify trends, gaps, and growth opportunities
• Align contracting efforts with demand trends and overall business growth strategies
• Collaborate with peers across Northern Europe to ensure consistency and share best practices
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Revenue, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams
• Promote the company’s value proposition to secure and strengthen supplier partnerships
• Drive improvements in contracting processes through data-led decision-making and internal initiatives

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in hotel contracting and team management, with a proven track record in hotel partnerships and commercial management within the UK and Ireland market
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills, able to develop and maintain trusted partnerships with hoteliers and colleagues
• Proactive leader with the ability to motivate and delegate effectively within a team environment
• Excellent attention to detail, with well-developed written and verbal communication skills for internal and external stakeholders
• Able to perform well under pressure, driven by targets, and motivated to succeed
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Skilled in managing expectations and communicating clearly and promptly both internally and externally
• Willingness to travel within the region as required

Benefits and Perks:

• Great basic salary, plus a referral bonus and a season ticket loan
• 25 days of annual leave, a day off on your birthday, enhanced parental leave, and one volunteering day off
• Hybrid working environment with a smart casual dress code and a meal allowance on office days
• Private medical insurance, gym membership, flu vaccinations, eye test contributions (plus £45 towards frames), and access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Family and friends’ hotel discounts, travel discounts, Eurostar, and Merlin Entertainment concession fares
• Cycle to work scheme and access to a variety of training and development courses
• Reward and recognition scheme (Star Awards), company-funded social events, and a long service award

Click here to apply for this Director of Contracting UK / Ireland job, which is being recruited by Fiona Morrison-Arnthal and Ambitions Travel Recruitment, a boutique recruitment agency, specialising in leisure travel and luxury hospitality roles, and known for sourcing hard-to-find talent.

IMPORTANT

• If this role ticks your boxes and you’ve got the relevant experience, then click and apply
• If this role isn’t for you but you’d be keen to receive suitable job alerts, then register with us now www.ambitionstravelrecruitment.com
• Due to the massive number of applications, we receive, we’re usually only able to reply to candidates whose requirements meet our customers’ needs. We’re super grateful that you take the time to apply, and we will save your CV and be in touch for other suitable roles
• Please visit our website www.ambitionstravelrecruitment.com for our full privacy policy which explains how we store and access your personal data and our candidate promise to never share your details with an employer without your prior consent etc.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Purchasing

• Industries

  Travel Arrangements

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