Director, Operations – Partner Programs

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Deliver strategic direction, operational implementation, and performance oversight for global proprietary programs.

• Supervise the administration of the Internova program suite, manage supplier collaborations, annual RFP processes, contract oversight, rate auditing, operational assistance, data accuracy, program distribution, and compliance.

• Formulate and execute operational strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, scalability, supplier engagement, and program outcomes.

• Maximize hotel participation, supplier selection, and market exposure aligned with advisor, traveler, and business unit requirements.

• Direct the logistics of the annual hotel program and facilitate partner participation.

• Guide the annual hotel RFP process, encompassing platform management, supplier communication, participation strategies, timelines, contract finalization, rate loading and auditing, quality assurance, reporting, and analytics.

• Oversee sourcing, contracting, onboarding, pricing, distribution, compliance, account management, supplier participation, promotions, and performance tracking.

• Administer hotel data management and ensure program accuracy.

• Manage ongoing rate audits and quality checks across programs, distribution channels, and GDS platforms.

• Handle corrective action plans for discrepancies or compliance issues while utilizing AI-driven auditing tools.

• Act as a liaison between Partner Relations and Technology teams for program launches, platform upgrades, system updates, and maintenance.

• Support hotel distribution technologies, GDS platforms, CRS systems, booking tools, and RFP platforms.

• Manage program data, dashboards, reports, and performance metrics for informed strategic decision-making.

• Monitor supplier productivity, participation trends, market demand, traveler preferences, and program performance.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Program Operations team, including Support Desk, RFP Administration, Rate Audit, and Promotions.

• Set performance standards, conduct evaluations, and promote employee growth and succession planning.

• Serve as the escalation point for intricate supplier, advisor, agency, and operational issues.

• Function as a subject matter expert in hotel programs, partner relations, rate auditing, hotel content, and hospitality distribution.

• Lead or engage in strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Travel Management, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Over 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the travel, hospitality, or hotel sectors.

• Extensive experience in hotel program management, supplier relations, hotel sourcing, and contract negotiations.

• Advanced understanding of hotel RFP processes, CVENT/Lanyon platforms, hotel distribution systems, CRS technologies, booking tools, and GDS environments.

• Strong comprehension of the luxury hospitality sector.

• In-depth knowledge of hotel pricing, commission frameworks, rate auditing, supplier performance management, and distribution strategies.

• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, including remote and cross-functional groups.

• Exceptional skills in relationship management, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong analytical and financial acumen, operational planning expertise, and project management capabilities.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, reporting tools, and hospitality technology platforms.

🏝️ Benefits

• Option of two medical plans.

• Option of two dental plans.

• Vision insurance.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

• Company-covered life insurance and AD&D.

• Optional additional life insurance and AD&D.

• Disability insurance.

• Paid parental leave.

• Paid time off.

• 401k Plan with company match.

• Discounted employee travel options.

• Access to LinkedIn Learning webinars and courses.

• Discounted pet insurance.

• Discounted auto, home, & renters insurance.

• Potential eligibility for an incentive, commission, bonus, or discretionary bonus program based on company financial goal achievement and individual performance.

• Remote work.