What are the responsibilities and job description for the DMC Contracting Sepcialist position at Abercrombie & Kent USA?
Position Summary
The Contracting Specialist supports the Product and Contracting Team with contracting and supplier management for land services and accommodation product ensuring the DMC has a competitive, diverse, unique, high quality and on-trend portfolio that serves the needs of AKTG clients. The contracting specialist must develop and maintain excellent relationships with all suppliers to secure the best commercial terms and conditions available in the market & act as liaison between the DMC and the supplier for product updates & quality of service issues & must maintain agreement information on all systems.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Help drive product innovation and creativity in exploring all opportunities with suppliers
- Help with the supplier negotiation process at the optimal time to ensure that required rates & terms and conditions are agreed, competitive, finalized, loaded and available in accordance with Service Level Agreement and briefs.
- Maintain rate agreements and contract library
- Update and maintain supplier info in all systems and disperse to all teams
- Maintain supplier audit process and insurance information
- Assist Product team in identifying new products and destinations with current or new suppliers
- Assist in managing & controlling supplier costings and excursion pricing and margins
- Conduct product training for sales teams (external and internal)
- Assist with marketing initiatives (educational, fam trips, staff requests) & AK website content
- Assist with ad hoc projects pertaining to supplier information.
- Other duties as assigned
Skills and Abilities
- Commercially focused & analytical
- Able to demonstrate adaptability, initiative, problem solving, self-motivation, organization
- Knowledgeable of US and Canadian geography & key tourist sites/attractions
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Proven ability to meet production and commercial deadlines.
- Technologically literate-proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, working knowledge of travel software platforms (especially Travel Studio) an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages will be an advantage).
Education and Experience
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in a business preferred and/or equivalent related industry experience
- Two years of proven experience in product or contracting in the travel and/or hospitality industries preferred but not essential
- Prior experience working for or with Destination Management Companies and/or tour operators an advantage
A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible, fulltime employees including an employee bonus plan. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee, such as group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and travel discounts through use of an IATAN Travel Professional card. Other elective benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental life insurance, pre-tax healthcare and dependent FSAs, and a 401(k) plan with generous company match.
