Contracting Manager at Express Travel Group Limited

Job Purpose

The Contracting Manager shall have full responsibility for contracting third party suppliers (excluding airlines) for the Express Travel Group corporate and leisure divisions. The Contracting Manager has primary accountability for developing a high quality service range at the best possible rates as well as establishing effective contracting management systems, managing and improving trip profitability, improving service and guest experience and providing supplier content (special offers/ packages) to sales teams. Whilst accommodation contracting is the primary focus, the role will also entail contracting various transport providers, regional ground handlers and other suppliers dealing with tour and travel components and itineraries. The role will require close collaboration with the Tours Manager, Tour Consultants, the Sales and Marketing team and the Transport Manager.

Overall Responsibilities

• Direct responsibility for sourcing, negotiation and management of supplier contracts.
• Conduct regular rate comparisons and analysis and share details with Sales and Operations teams. Actively seek new or alternative suppliers and implement business development initiatives to consistently improve contract rates and trip profitability.
• Maintain good working relationships with all suppliers and monitor supplier performance to improve and/or Ensure continued service excellence.
• Identify opportunities for volume discounts and supplier leverage and communicate to sales teams.
• Document and rate management – Ensure supplier rates are entered into Sales platforms such as Granit.
• Identify special offers and packages and work with Marketing to generate marketing collateral for distribution to branch offices and for digital marketing.
• Work with the Tours Manager to create bespoke inbound and outbound tour itineraries.
• Attend client meetings alongside Sales and Operations teams to showcase supplier management abilities and attributes.
• Frequently visit company outlets/ branches to get feedback from the travel/tour consultants.
• Any other duty as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree or Diploma from a recognized institution.
• Over five years’ experience in a similar position and proven experience as a negotiator.
• Passion and demonstrable knowledge of the East African travel industry – experience in the luxury travel segment preferred.
• Knowledge of Granit system is preferred.
• High standards of customer service.
• Excellent communication skills and outstanding attention to detail.
• Able to work successfully independently but also able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task without direct supervision.

The applications should reach us before 20th February, 2020. Only successful applicants shall be contacted.