Contracting and Products Manager

• Nov 2022 - Present

Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key contacts across all assigned suppliers in order to facilitate negotiations and secure the edge over competition. Work hand in hand with the product team to set and deliver the bed brief and highlight, at all times, opportunities throughout the region. Manage the supplier negotiation process at the optimal time to ensure that required rates, allocations and release periods are agreed, competitive, finalized, comprehensively loaded and available in accordance with agreed SLAs and briefs with affiliates to ensure speed to market and differentiation can be maintained. Constantly monitoring and managing performance and taking necessary action. Work in close collaboration with the the internal customer’s marketing/product teams, to ensure maximum contribution from suppliers is being raised for brands campaigns and brochures. Maximize commercial return on relationships by ensuring highly competitive overrides are incorporated into the contracting process and ensure supplier revenue targets are met and if necessary re-negotiated to achieve the best financial gain. Oversee site inspections of existing and new properties and Products to ascertain suitability. In collaboration with the internal brands’ product teams, evaluate market requirements related to the needs of tactical products (i.e. new destinations, weak periods etc.) to support the defined business strategy. Implement the Health and Safety procedures set by the company Show less

Negotiation and Contracting Specialist

• Sep 2021 - Nov 2022

I am responsible for building and sustaining a cordial relationship with the hoteliers through seamless communication and perseverance. Handling contracts and negotiating with partnering hotels to achieve great deals and offers for the clients and tour operators. Negotiate and review contract with the hotels regarding rates, special offers, seasons, allocations, release periods, overrides, terms and conditions, and cancellation policies. I am responsible for building and sustaining a cordial relationship with the hoteliers through seamless communication and perseverance. Handling contracts and negotiating with partnering hotels to achieve great deals and offers for the clients and tour operators. Negotiate and review contract with the hotels regarding rates, special offers, seasons, allocations, release periods, overrides, terms and conditions, and cancellation policies.

Purchasing and Contracting Executive

• Nov 2017 - Dec 2020

Attend trade functions as required by the Product Managers and in accordance with business needs. Liaise with the Product team to ensure a high standard of content. Maintain records of brochure contributions and ensure agreements are issued and returned, and invoices issued. Assist with general product management including the monitoring and reporting of sales on a weekly basis. Assist Purchasing Managers/Executives with marketing requests and tourist board relationships. Work in partnership with in-house Commercial Managers to secure marketing funds & tactical offers from Suppliers for promotional activities for their respective brands. Conduct exclusive tactical negotiations with suppliers on an on-going basis and feedback to Commercial Managers. Ensure errata are issued as appropriate for all changes and building work etc; ensuring appropriate action is taken to advise clients, both current and potential, in accordance with legislation. Maintain an accurate record of special offers for Purchasing Managers/Executives and ensure distribution to appropriate commercial teams on a regular basis. Work with Purchasing Managers/Executives and loaders to ensure all products are loaded in a proper and timely manner in accordance with best practice and business needs, ensuring systems are regularly checked to maintain rate integrity and continuity of supply and monitor loading progress from Tracker bearing in mind commercial needs. Run and check reports to maintain availability of stock and identify regular ?Stopsale? Work with Purchasing Managers/Executives and brands to ensure all queries of whatever type are handled and resolved in a timely and efficient manner. Work with Purchasing Managers/Executives to ensure that all contracts are issued and received in a timely manner and appropriate records are kept, including appropriate H & S information. Assist Purchasing Managers/Executives in maximising commercial return on relationships. Show less

Senior Tours Consultant at Arabian Adventures

• Aug 2006 - Oct 2017

Oversee the performance and productivity of a team of Tours Consultants meeting set standards and maintaining the highest quality of service to Emirates offices worldwide, other airlines, travel agents, corporate accounts and customers. Supervise and administer sales on arrival and/or reservation requests to ensure that all requested and suggested services for ground arrangements are provided and accurately accounted. Liaise with all units of Arabian Adventures to ensure that customers are fully assisted as and when required to ensure a comfortable stay and experience in the destination. Equip the team with the knowledge to offer detailed information on various products and services to all customers thereby maximizing revenue opportunities. Ensure correct charges are applied in accordance with negotiated contracts, investigate and resolve accounting queries from customers, suppliers or internal departments Analyse feedback from customers on our products and services and recommend suggestions for further action to the Reservations Officer Support the Reservations Officer to monitor and record staff performance in line with the corporate guidelines and support the team in a manner which build and maintains motivation levels. The critical competencies were: Initiative and Commitment to Achieve Attention to Detail and Quality Customer Service Orientation Effective Communication Organizing for Results Engaging Others Open to Opportunity Teamwork Drive Show less

Travel Specialist

• Oct 2004 - Apr 2006