About the Role
Supplier Relationship Director – permanent
Central London – Pall Mall based with flexibility to travel site in Kent and Hull.
£70 – £75k per annum, dependant on experience
We are looking for an experienced Supplier Relationship Director to join our business at an exciting time at this growing Travel Division of two recently merged Travel management Companies (Good Travel Management and CT Travel Group) that overnight have turned into an £85m turnover company, with ambitious growth plans.
We are part of high growth, innovative 6th generation family business – John Good Group, who over the past two years have undergone considerable transformation and growth, including multiple acquisitions in several sectors.
The new Supplier Relationship Director will be responsible for managing relationships and evolving partnerships with suppliers, such as airlines, hotels and travel technologies that align and distribute the content. Ensure that the supply chain runs smoothly and efficiently, negotiate contracts, improve supplier agreements and ensure high quality service across the internal stake holders.
Reporting into our COO, the successful candidate will work towards the goal of getting the best value for money spent on suppliers through establishing effective relationships, managing requirements, and communicating clearly, setting objectives, measuring KPI’s and reporting on results.
This really is a fantastic opportunity for someone who really wants to own and take the opportunity forward and be part of the next chapter of our story.
Some key aspects of the role will include:
- Proactively lead the go-to market strategy for operational travel suppliers (not limited to airlines, hotels, car and ancillary products), including reviewing suppliers, negotiating and optimising commercials that are in the Travel division’s best interest
- Lead the onboarding of new suppliers, maintenance and review of existing suppliers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, leading in negotiating favourable contracts, rates and service agreements to optimise cost savings and service quality for clients, including stakeholder management of internal parties.
- Manage and ensure inventory delivery, and expand the supply network
- Evaluate and monitor supplier performance against contractual agreements and KPI’s; through regular assessments and feedback, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon standards and termsand report on results, along with identifying areas for improvement and collaborating with suppliers to implement solutions.
- Ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions across all supplier relationships but also that suppliers meet ethical, environmental and regulatory standards to support the company’s ESG commitments
- Aligning suppliers with client needs, through the discovery and onboarding of new clients in partnership with the Commercial Director and Client Director
- Profit/revenue driven outcomes; question how we work with existing and, new suppliers with a view to bringing in more revenue and improving productivity and choice/visibility for our clients.
- Be aware of the changing market conditions and impact on the business that could reduce or increase demand and have solutions to respond accordingly
- Proactively act as a major stakeholder with industry associations and/or partnerships including but not limited to Buying Groups and Partnerships, Licensing Authorities and other industry groups
What we are looking for:
- Proven and demonstratable, credible TMC and ideally Group Travel industry knowledge
- Proven agility in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of all aspects of the Travel supply chain
- Proven experience in vendor and supplier relationship management
- Proven experience in financial management and reporting
- Proven experience in contract negotiation and management
- Proven experience in leading and managing multi-scale fulfilment projects and supplier negotiations
- Excellent commercial awareness and acumen
- Highly analytical with excellent numeracy skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable with high level negotiation
- Analytical approach to data and reporting to key stakeholders
- Strategic mindset and vision
- Excellent leadership and management skills
- Excellent project management skills
- IT Savvy with competence in full range of Microsoft office products and other tools
- Solution focused with outstanding problem-solving skills
- Collaborative approach with the ability to take people with you and a team player
- Ability to deliver time sensitive goals on time
Our workforce is fundamental to our success with a drive deliver quality services to our customers. So, if you have the above qualities and a desire to learn, then please do not hesitate in applying.
DBS Checks
This role is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check in line with our recruitment policies.
Good Travel are specialists in SME Travel Management, Marine & Energy Travel and Events, Exhibitions and Trade Missions and here to make business travel management easier for our customers.
Good Travel is part of sixth-generation, family business, the John Good Group. Winners of the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Awards 2022 for Family Business of the Year and Best Social Impact. Founded on family values, we put our people, planet, and communities at the heart of everything we do.
Location
Central London – Pall Mall based with flexibility to travel site in Kent and Hull.
Benefits
£70 – £75k per annum, dependant on experience
The ‘Good’ things you can get:
- Birthday day off
- Pension
- Life Assurance – up to 4 x salary
- Employee volunteering day and matched charitable donations
- Health Shield and Life Stage cash plans inc EAP and Virtual GP
- Employee Service Scheme recognising service levels with gifts, experiences, and holidays
- PERKS discounts inc gym, retail, etc
- YuLife ESG and Wellbeing app
- Free Will writing service
- Onsite Gym at our Kent office
- Social events
- Employee Travel discount