Partnerships Director

The position’s focus and responsibility is to build strategic business relationships within the assigned geography, to further enhance Collinson’s standing in the region across business partnerships, travel experiences and key merchant relationships.Reporting to Director Commercial Partnerships, this role will drive competitive advantage through securing and growing network and experience coverage, superior commercial terms and exclusivity, sustainable business relationships with Partners with extends beyond the transactional.The successful candidate will bring internal and external collaboration and business focus in their DNA. He/she should seek to drive an innovative and entrepreneurial approach with partners to deliver enriched and frictionless end-consumer experience. Through effective supplier partnership and price negotiation this position will make a key contribution to the overall profitability of the Group.Key ResponsibilitiesTravel Ecosystem Content - source, prospect, negotiate and contract across the travel experience ecosystem. Understand the broader B2B2C commercial context of client needs & client contracts, travel corridors, market segmentation and relevant product bundling opportunities; to continuously deliver value and best travel experiences to the customer. Work with the relevant Product and Operations teams to bring new concepts to fruition.Commercial Negotiation & contract management - ensure optimum commercial terms and conditions for new and existing partnerships. Own value optimization goals for airport experiences. Leverage Collinson Group capabilities, to deliver cost efficiencies and drive profitability. Hold Partners accountable for honouring contract terms.Competitive advantage – Continuously seek ways to improve our competitive edge both in the markets of geographical coverage as well as in key travel corridors.Business Partnership – Work with Country Directors and the wider Commercial team, to align and deliver upon Partnership directions and initiatives which will achieve optimised commercial returns.Partner management – Seek ways to become the preferred distribution channel of our Key Partners. Continuously seek ways to create win-win and long term relationships to increase Key Partner’s stickiness and loyalty to Collinson and Priority Pass.Analysis and Reporting - collate, analyse and provide analytical insight into the performance of the partnership and its potential growth.Marketing - collaborate with Marketing to plan and enable partners to have the best exposure through different channels. Elaborate and cooperate in the strategic marketing plan to ensure best in class marketing and brand support across the Travel Platform and travel ecosystem.Knowledge and Skills RequiredProven success in conducting business and building merchant relationships within commercial airportsExperience in the travel, airline, hospitality or other service related fieldsBachelors’ Degree in Business or related discipline10+ years of overall professional experience, with relevant experience in managing key, business relationshipsExperience in managing Supplier RelationsAbility to persuade and influence at a senior levelStrong commercial acumen and negotiating skillsKey account management techniques and practicesExcellent relationship builder. Demonstrable skills in communications at all levels (including face to face, via phone and in writing), both in partner-facing and internal environments, including an adaptive and flexible style that facilitates strong relationship development with senior executives, managers, supervisors and staffEssential highly numerate with sound analytical skillStrong networker and communicatorInherent desire to keep up to date with competitor information and market trendsExcellent inter-personal, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skillsAssertive, initiative, independent, methodical, detailed-oriented, highly organized in work proceduresExcellent command of written and spoken EnglishProficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint