Commercial Manager – Travel industry Trade relationships
Job Type : Permanent, Full Time
Salary : £25000 – £32000/annum Parking and pension and Health
Commercial Manager
Working for a travel services company within a network of commercial businesses that operate in the independent travel market – facilitating mutually beneficial solutions and services between these businesses (including independent travel agents nationwide and worldwide business partners including Tour Operators, airlines, and accommodation providers)
The role:
The primary purpose of the role is to take ownership of a number of business partner accounts across various travel sectors with the responsibility of negotiating the best commercial terms on behalf of the members and in line with the organisation’s own commercial strategy. Servicing members and support with any Commercial queries and/or challenges internal and external customers may face. Reporting to the Commercial Director to achieve key objectives such as improving commercial terms for the partners and collaboratively executing commercial and marketing plans. With the aim to consistently deliver in a way that enhances the organisation’s reputation and standing within the company’s marketplace and the independent travel sector.
Key responsibilities.
* Own a number of business partner accounts across different sectors with the responsibility of negotiating the best commercial terms on behalf of members and in line with the organisation’s own commercial strategy.
* Conduct regular partner performance meetings to review commercial movements to build and strengthen existing and new business relationships to leverage the best outcome for members and in line with the organisation’s own commercial strategy.
* Conduct weekly trading calls with selected partners and report on accounts’ performances to the Commercial Director on a regular basis.
* Working with the CCO and Commercial Director on exploring and implementing new commercial models or initiatives with selected partners.
* Working with the CCO and Commercial Director on creating realistic forecasts and reporting actuals to ensure a real time trading environment and ensure tactical trade plans when needed
* Working with Marketing and Commercial team to ensure the membership leverages maximum benefit from any initiatives being marketed by Business Partners.
* Working with the Membership team to ensure any member escalations are satisfactorily dealt with by the Business Partners in a timely manner.
* Stay fully informed on industry and partner developments to ensure that the commercial, product and revenue teams are fully informed on product range and price.
* Communicate all industry and market developments to the Commercial team and the Management team.
Key Skills and Experience
* Commercially astute with previous experience gained in a fast-paced trading environment, preferably in travel. An ability to demonstrate sound judgment and resourcefulness in decision-making and problem solving, challenging trading and commercial when necessary.
* Highly analytical and able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of key performance levers.
* Ability to effectively communicate at all levels and network at executive level with business partners, membership and internally with the leadership team.
* Advanced negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to engage people both internally and externally.
* Supplier relationship management at senior level with evidence of building long term strategic partnerships.
* Highly numerate with proven experience of budgeting and forecasting.
* Strong personal organisation with a track record of delivering to deadline.
* Preferably knowledge of travel and distribution technologies
Person Specification
* Previous experience working for a travel business – selling to travel agents
* Passionate about travel
* Highly effective team player with positive attitude
* Target / results driven
* Demonstrate a strong understanding of business, commerce and trading
* Ability to think broadly, strategically and react tactically
* Confident, resilient, and tenacious
* Results focused, determined and solution orientated
Additional requirements
Prime Location: Woking with some flexibility to work from home (semi hybrid)
* Travel both within the UK and overseas with flexibility to stay away from home will be required on occasion.
* Flexibility to attend industry and trade events on a regular basis.
* Min 2 years’ experience in a commercial role within travel – good all-round knowledge of all distribution methods.
* Salary: c£30,000 based on experience
* Hours: Full time (37.5 – Monday-Friday with WFH flexibility as per company policy)
More Information
- Address Woking, Surrey
