What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hotel Operations Coordinator - Ships position at Backroads?
About the Department:
The Hotel Operations team is part of our greater Trip Development Department, comprised of contract administrators and data specialists located in Berkeley, CA and Utrecht, Netherlands. The team is responsible for reaching agreements with our 800 luxury hotel and ship partners, which include some of the world’s most remarkable and esteemed accommodations. This team is focused on building relationships with our hotels and ships in a timely manner that yields the best outcome for both the hotel/ship and Backroads and is a key part in providing amazing experiences for our guests.
About the Role:
The Hotel Operations Coordinator - Ships, will play a critical role within the Trip Development Department at Backroads, working to support our worldwide ship and hotel partnerships by managing the details and execution of critical contracts. In this role, you will negotiate rates and terms, track and confirm inventory, and ensure all agreements move smoothly through the internal approval process. You’ll collaborate closely with our Regional Directors and cross-functional teams—including Rooming, Sales, Demand Planning, and Finance—to align bookings with business needs, resolve partner questions, and keep internal systems up to date. You’ll be a great fit for this position if you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
What you’ll do:
- You will be responsible for overseeing and confirming the dates/inventory, rates, and terms for contracts with your assigned ship and hotel partners across the globe. Assuring that contracts move through final approval stages effectively.
- You’ll learn the Backroads voice and engage in negotiations via email and phone with your assigned partners.
- You’ll present rate analysis for approval by the management team.
- You will establish a good working relationship with your Regional Directors and collaborate closely with them to confirm bookings to meet the business needs.
- You will also work cross-functionally with the Rooming, Sales, Demand Planning, and Finance departments to track vacancy rates, update partners on our current bookings, and resolve questions and issues for guest bookings.
- You will learn and become proficient in our internal business processes and systems, including our proprietary enterprise system, Salesforce Project, and Jira, internal business processes.
What you'll need to be successful:
- Strong communication skills: You will have extensive correspondence that relies on you being conversant in our systems, timelines, guidelines, and terminology.
- Ability to work independently and with a team: You will be collaborating and often contributing to discussions amongst internal teams; you also work effectively without a lot of support or structure.
- Problem-solving skills: As an action-oriented self-starter, you’re eager to apply your expertise in diagnosing inefficiencies, determining root causes, and recommending solutions to complex challenges.
- Credibility: You quickly develop a thorough understanding of Backroads business timelines and providing administrative support, you quickly establish credibility as a reliable resource.
- Ability to manage and handle a variety of markets including ships that operate on different timelines under different terms
- Affinity for systems and data with attention to detail and precision
Work Environment:
- Berkeley, CA
- 4 days in office
Interview Process:
- Recruiter Screen: 30 min
- Hiring Manager Interview: 30 min, virtual
- VP of Trip Development Interview 15 minutes followed by a meet & greet with hiring manager 15-20 minutes
About Backroads:
At Backroads we’re passionate about connecting our guests with so many of the most beautiful places in the world. We use our four-plus decades of expertise to create exceptional biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips in over 50 countries for people wanting a deeper and richer travel experience. We travel on land as well as by small luxury ships on active river and ocean cruises. Our trips are for all ages – including dedicated itineraries just for families. We are known for our unwavering attention to quality. We have a dynamic work environment and a strong company culture.
Why Backroads:
At Backroads, we value every single member of our staff, and we’re proud to offer a dynamic work environment that enables growth. Your colleagues will be some of the most dedicated, competent, active, and fun people you will ever meet. A job at Backroads is unlike any other job you will ever have – you will be challenged, you will be inspired, and you will be gratified. No matter what you do here, you will be part of something that makes us all proud – delivering authentic, enriching, and often profoundly life-changing experiences. On top of all that, we have some pretty great benefits and perks! For example our US office employees receive:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match, flex plan, and parental leave
- Generous paid time off, 8 paid holidays, and additional time off to go on Backroads trips!
- Complimentary trips and trip discounts for employees, and trip discounts for employees’ friends and family!
- Outdoor industry discounts and deals
- Alternative commuter incentives for biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation to get to work
- Wellness programs and regular lunchtime bike rides and yoga
Backroads is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary Ranges:
$26.93 - $33.66At Backroads, we uphold a commitment to transparency and fairness within our hiring process, particularly regarding compensation. The salary range posted for each role applies to both employment offers and employees actively working in the role.
New hires are typically offered a starting salary between the minimum and midpoint of the range to ensure there is continued opportunity for salary progression during your employment at Backroads, reflecting our commitment to rewarding ongoing dedication, high performance, and significant contributions to our team. This approach not only supports our budgeting strategy but also our intention to foster an environment that encourages long-term growth and strong relationships between Backroads and our valued employees.
Our office roles are onsite in our Berkeley headquarters, unless specifically noted as 'available for remote'. We do allow one work-from-home day a week, as well as one work-from-anywhere week per year. This pay range is intended for in-person work in our Berkeley, CA headquarters. Pay ranges for remote-eligible roles will be subject to adjustment based on the geolocation of the employee.
Salary : $27 - $34
