Hotel Operations Team Leader

The Hotel Contracting Team Leader is responsible for overseeing a team of hotel contracting professionals, guiding the team in negotiating and securing favourable contracts with hotels and other accommodation providers. This role involves collaboration with internal stakeholders, including sales, revenue management, and product teams, to ensure that the best possible rates, terms, and conditions are negotiated for the company's portfolio. The team leader will also maintain relationships with key hotel partners, monitor market trends, and drive strategies to maximize profitability.

Duties and responsibilities-

• Contract Negotiation and Management:
• Oversee the negotiation process for hotel contracts, including rates, commissions, and terms and conditions.
• Develop strong, long-term relationships with key hotel partners, suppliers, and third-party vendors.
• Review contract terms to ensure they are favourable and aligned with company goals and profitability.
• Resolve any contract-related disputes or issues with hotels.

• Market Analysis & Strategy:
• Conduct market research to understand industry trends, competitor offerings, and emerging destinations.
• Monitor competitor rates and inventory to ensure competitive pricing.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure contracts with high-demand hotels, especially in key markets.

• Collaboration with Internal Teams:
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to ensure the contracted hotels align with product offerings and customer needs.
• Collaborate with the revenue management team to monitor occupancy and pricing strategies.
• Work with the operations team to ensure smooth execution of contracted deals and resolution of any operational issues.

• Reporting & Documentation:
• Oversee the documentation and tracking of all hotel contracts and ensure compliance with company policies and legal standards.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports on hotel contracting activities, including profitability, savings, and goals achieved.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of contracted hotels and ensure all information is accurate.

• Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution:
• Address any challenges or issues related to hotel contracts and work towards effective resolutions.
• Provide solutions for customer complaints related to hotel bookings and service quality.

• Customer Focus:
• Understand customer preferences and ensure hotel choices meet the needs and expectations of the target audience.
• Assist in ensuring a high standard of service quality in the contracted hotels.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: A degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience:
• Minimum 4-8 years of experience in hotel contracting or supplier relations within the travel or hospitality industry.
• Proven experience in a leadership or team management role.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in contracting with hotel chains and independent properties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of industry tools and databases (e.g., CRS, GDS, hotel booking systems).
• Willingness to travel as needed for negotiations, events, or meetings.