Destination Asia
Job Purpose
Oversee contracting and supplier management for accommodation and non-accommodation services for the Leisure segment (with some overlap in Cruise and MICE segments), ensuring Destination Asia Japan has a competitive, high quality and up-to-date portfolio that serves the needs of our clients in their choice of tours & excursions, attractions, tickets, transfers, multi-day packages and accommodation.
Accountabilities
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with all accommodation and non-accommodation suppliers within the assigned portfolio to secure the best commercial terms and conditions available in the market.
- Manage purchasing and supplier management for accommodation (direct and via CGS) and non-accommodation services, including pricing, portfolio, quality control and health & safety compliance audits.
- Identify areas of opportunity and drive revenue growth while maximizing the performance of the assigned portfolio through close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Execute and maintain the guidelines and processes implemented by Group Product across all major areas of product.
- Manage the supplier negotiation process at the optimal time to ensure that required rates, allocations and release periods are agreed, competitive, finalised, loaded and available in accordance with agreed SLAs and briefs.
- Work hand in hand with the dnata Central Ground Services (CGS) to set and deliver the accommodation bed brief and contracting cycle as per the SLA.
- Monitor the timely loading of rates and information into Sales Force and Travel Studio in collaboration with the loading teams.
- Support DA’s business development strategy by negotiating discounts, overrides, marketing contributions, special offers and added value inclusions for brand campaigns and tactical promotions across all products.
- Work closely with the Sales team to identify opportunities to develop new experiences and destinations that match client demand by reviewing trends, competitor activity and researching and visiting hotels, sites & attractions.
- Ensure the reservations, operations and finance teams are provided with accurate data to complete booking processes and produce accurate customer invoices.
- Support the sales and reservation teams with the delivery of content, images, product awareness and knowledge.
- Follow-up on supplier and hotel feedback accuracy to ensure customer satisfaction and encourage supplier development and partnership.
- Manage the contract library and control document access to ensure consistent record retention and facilitate the resolution of contract issues to minimize any impact on service disruption.
- Conduct regular supplier audits and spot checks to monitor quality control and ensure compliance of health & safety standards and legal requirements.
- Take a role in sustainability initiatives and ensure products fulfil sustainability standards and suppliers are trained on sustainable practices.
- Ensure workflow management and annual planning so the team members have clear direction and skills to enable them to perform their duties.
- Champion strong collaboration between Product, Sales and Operations.
- Manage supplier relations through effective communication.
Qualifications
- Degree in a hospitality, tourism or business administration or related field.
Experience
- 4+ years’ experience in the tourism industry with a minimum of 2 years in a contracting capacity or relevant role in a OTA, bed bank or DMC.
- A strong purchasing background with an established network of supplier contacts for all the different supplier categories.
- Prior experience working in Japan with Destination Management Companies and/or tour operators is preferred.
Skills
- Commercially focused, analytical with a proven record as a skilled and driven negotiator.
- Systematic and logical approach to solving problems.
- Self-motivated, highly organised, pro-active, and flexible.
- Proven ability to meet production and commercial deadlines.
- Technology literate (knowledge of Travel Studio, Sales Force is an advantage).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Japanese and English.