Director of Industry Relations; Travel industry

Position: Director of Industry Relations (Travel industry)
Objective of the Role

The Director of Industry Relations is responsible for managing supplier partners and the revenue streams associated with them. This role requires a focus on cultivating strategic partnerships to drive growth and enhance value for both the company and its suppliers.
Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate will have a background in travel agency partner relations or business development, preferably as a strategic account manager for cruise lines. They should possess experience in partner relations or a supplier-side role at a managerial or director level, with the potential for higher responsibilities.
Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with preferred travel supplier partners.
• Identify and secure new supplier partnerships, leading onboarding and integration.
• Develop and launch new supplier programs to articulate value, opportunities, and ROI.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful supplier events and program engagement.
• Lead and mentor a team of partner relations professionals, fostering a collaborative culture.
• Drive revenue and profit growth through strategic supplier initiatives and negotiations.
• Manage supplier business reviews and optimize program metrics.
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences to maintain industry leadership.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in managing supplier relationships in the travel industry.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with high-value commercial partnerships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical and data-driven with strong business acumen.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.