Director, Global Specialty Product (Travel)

Old Toronto, ON, Canada

$ 150.000 - 200.000

Job Description

The Director, Global Specialty Product at Kensington Tours will be responsible for leading and developing new unique time limited product offerings centre around 1) unique experiences (i.e. Monaco Grand Prix), 2) co-branded partnership opportunity (i.e. brand and supplier co-op), and 3) supplier funded promotions (i.e. hotel pay stays). Leveraging existing and new supplier relationships source, negotiate, and contract value driving special itineraries, co-ops, and promotions. Working in partnership with marketing, develop and execute the marketing communication plan of the limited time offering on the website, newsletters, and other media channels. In partnership with the sales and learning/development team, train, and influence Destination Experts to sell the special itineraries.

The successful candidate will be a roll-up the sleeves doer who can leverage the partnership and special itineraries to drive an increase in leads, improve marketing campaign conversion, increase Destination Experts’ close rate, and reduce COGS. The ideal candidate will have a combination of leadership skills, strategy development and execution capability, a strong metrics/data driven orientation, ability to build relationships with stakeholders, and lead high performing teams within a nimble, entrepreneurial environment.

This position is a critical member of the senior management team and will work collaboratively with other members of senior management to execute product strategies to achieve organizational growth and profitability.

Responsibilities

Develop partnership opportunities with brand, supplier and other vendors and capture marketing and product specials that are limited time offer from suppliers to create value driving itineraries for clients.

Develop and nurture collaborative supplier relationships on a remote and in-person basis.

Proactively work with global suppliers to identify unique product opportunities that drive product innovation, PR and marketing opportunities, and commercialization of itineraries.

Working in partnership with procurement, develop and execute the hotel strategy to drive more efficient process and improve value for our clients.

Lead contract negotiations, working with legal counsel and procurement, to develop product offerings that creates competitive advantage and facilitates fastest possible speed-to-quote.

Lead the development of business opportunities, partnership, relationship, and new product offerings with new and existing vendors.

Partner and influence the sales team to ensure we are driving volume to our preferred partners and hotels.

Design and implement short and long-term processes, systems, and structures necessary to consistently achieve objectives.

Builds effective teams, lead cross-functional teams, influence decision making.

Contribute to the recruiting, hiring, mentoring and development of a new team.

Develop the process to gather product insights and customer feedback, identify product development and training opportunities and communicate product updates.

Collaborate with key business stakeholders (sales, marketing, operations, supplier partners).

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, MBA preferred.

10+ years of product development, partnership/business development, brand management, marketing, consulting/strategy experience required.

7+ years of leadership and management role leading cross-functional teams required. Ability to collaborate and enable teams to work towards a common goal and influence decision makers across the organizations.

Industry experience with luxury and bespoke travel product an asset.

Demonstrated experience working with key industry suppliers (Hotel chains/Cruise/Airlines), procurement, and understanding of Tours Market/Specialist Travel/Luxury Travel space is an asset.

Experience in a premium/luxury service business. Ability to bring a clear sense of style and brand consistency to our premium and luxury product.

Passionate about travel along with being well travelled.

History of consistently meeting/exceeding targets and objectives personally and as a leader. Takes ownership and accountability for delivering goals.

Strategic mindset and ability to develop strategies, roadmaps, process, and execute the strategies day-to-day.

Outstanding analytical capabilities with proven expertise in problem solving and ability to deal with complex issues in a systematic and analytical approach.

A driver who is pragmatic, resilient, and energetic with ability to mobilize resources and build strong alliances, both internally and externally.

An entrepreneur with ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; and expect to roll up your sleeves with a positive attitude.

Must be adaptable to change and maintain a flexible approach as the business requires.

Proactive self-starter who doesn’t need to wait for direction and agile to move projects forward with limited resourcing.

Ability to manage ambiguity, complexity, and execute in a structured way. Strong project management, efficient time management and attention to detail.

Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to manage and motivate people, build effective relationships with key stakeholders, and work with key suppliers.

Exceptional communication (written and oral) and presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex information into concise messaging to senior-level executives.

Exceptional negotiation skills.

Comfortable with technologies and learning new technologies.

Ability to travel to attend key tradeshows and business / vendor meetings.

We are committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any stage of our hiring process, please advise us when completing your application.

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