The Airline Sourcing Manager will primarily be responsible for running RFPs for airline and cruise line clients’ accommodations and transport needs for both crew, distressed passengers and other airline business as assigned—and when applicable, will complete hotel contracting. The Airline Sourcing Manager will also conduct market research to write intel reports and, when needed, liaise with hotels directly and hotel brands to improve hotel relations and train hotels in TA Connections’ processes for managing airline business. The Airline Sourcing Manager will handle and coordinate multiple projects in an efficient and timely manner by taking ownership of each task assigned. In addition, the Airline Sourcing Manager will liaise with other departments to ensure a timely and accurate handover of assigned RFPs/projects. Role Responsibilities • Full fluency in both English and Spanish required—other languages a benefit • Conduct market research, property analysis and market RFPs consistent with each clients’ specifications for crew and/or distressed passengers’ accommodations • In-depth understanding of the needs of client’s operations as well as understanding their accommodation requirements • Source and negotiate RFP terms/rates and finalize contracting when assigned in both existing and new markets • Monitor markets for price changes and escalate risk and opportunities, becoming a hotel market expert in assigned region • Develop pricing comparatives and perform analysis to present final hotel/transport options • Compose market intel reports for smaller cities to accompany final reports • Identify savings and revenue potential in markets • Effectively communicate with both internal and external customers • Correctly vet hotels/transport vendors to comply with each client’s vetting criteria • Establish and maintain key global relationships with hotel and transportations vendors/suppliers • Complete and negotiate contracts/fee agreements as needed and per client • Maintain an understanding and working knowledge of hotel brands and management companies • Compile and submit assigned reports—when applicable • Maintain contact database within RFP tools • Travel and conduct hotel site visits as assigned • Represent TA Connections in front of both suppliers and customers during travel, as assigned • Complete additional tasks as assigned • For DPAX (distressed passenger) sourcing, maintain port ADR, volumes etc. to ensure TA Connections’ rates remain competitive in the market • For DPAX sourcing, follow up with all suppliers’ matters in unmanaged ports • For DPAX sourcing, send out communications (blasts) to set up new ports • For DPAX sourcing, ensure suppliers are activated in new ports (ie: so, they know who TA Connections is, our processes, what is required, etc.) • For DPAX sourcing, ensure suppliers respond to TA Connections’ requests (ie: availability/forecasts) • For DPAX sourcing, facilitate timeline of all new and existing airlines and ports • For DPAX sourcing, coordinate with admin group to ensure proper set up new port databases • For DPAX sourcing, maintain database in new and existing unmanaged ports • For DPAX sourcing, collate weekly forecast report for regions • For DPAX sourcing, facilitate and complete direct billing requests in new and unmanaged regions • For DPAX sourcing, facilitate RFP development, framework and negotiation via assigned RFP tool Qualifications & Skills • Solid knowledge and understanding of both the Aviation and Hospitality industries • Excellent people skills and a customer-focused approach to establish partnerships/alliances • Excellent time management prioritization and follow-up skills • Strong negotiation skills • Strong financial acumen and attention to detail • Excellent computer skills—with high-level proficiency for Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom—AI basics+ a bonus! • Ability to learn new platforms/tools • Assigned duties subject to change based on needs of the company • Bi- or multi-lingual a plus—please be sure to advise of any language proficiencies if fully fluent to conduct business—full fluency in English is REQUIRED
