Director Partner Relations – Destinations and Specialty

Job Description 

Ensemble is currently seeking a Director, Destinations & Specialty to join our team under the leadership of the VP, Destinations & Specialty. In this role, the focus will be on insurance, air, ground transportation, and tourism board partnerships across Canada and the US. The ideal candidate aligns with the consortium's vision, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and pride in their work. This position offers an exciting opportunity for collaboration to drive meaningful change within the travel industry. 

Responsibilities include managing existing contracts and partnerships within the designated portfolio, as well as creating and executing associated marketing plans. The candidate will actively seek new strategic partners and play a crucial role in establishing profitable commercial frameworks. Ensuring the highest quality of service for travelers and maximizing value and revenue for Ensemble's membership base are key priorities. 

The successful candidate for this role will possess strategic thinking, analytical skills, and adaptability. A hands-on approach is essential, as the position involves significant change management. If you are someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about contributing to positive transformations in the travel industry, we encourage you to apply. 

Responsibilities 

• Oversee ongoing relationships with insurance, air, ground transportation and tourism board partners, monitoring sales volume to meet backend targets.
• Develop and curate the tourism board portfolio. 
• Developing and executing associated marketing plans to hit marketing revenue targets.
• Communicate discrepancies in override targets to leadership and marketing teams, and implement corrective initiatives as needed. 
• Work with partners to create travel experiences for Ensemble customers that are unique and seamlessly delivered. 
• Plan, organize, direct, and control the complete travel partner acquisition cycle from prospecting through contracting, onboarding, and ongoing evaluation of rates, services, and delivery. 
• Negotiate service and distribution agreements with partners of all sizes in all regions; Review contracts and concisely summarize key terms and red flags prior to signature. 
• Ensure all suppliers meet key brand standards and contract requirements such as amenities, payment and cancellation terms, liability insurance, and marketing commitments. 
• Understand and monitor the industry landscape to identify and onboard new partners. 
• Articulate Ensemble’s unique value propositions to potential partners and represent Ensemble at industry events. 
• Own and lead business results meetings with partners and internal business stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive review of results and action items. 
• Effectively coordinate with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure accomplishment of shared business objectives promoting a collaborative team environment. 

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree is desirable. 
• Minimum of 7 years experience in travel industry and/or partner(supplier) management. 
• Experience with a global purchasing model and luxury services/product an asset. 
• Advanced negotiation skills – able to deliver results while maintaining partner engagement. 
• Proven ability to work through conflict, build trust, generate respect, and influence outcomes through outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills at all levels within the organization and with partners. 
• Superior time management skills - able to work in a fast paced, changing environment and meet time sensitive deadlines. 
• Analytical mind set with ability to digest and communicate quantitative reports across multiple data sets. 
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technologies. 
• Upbeat personality, a hands-on team player and self-starter who can work in a lean environment with autonomy. 
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and an ability to communicate at all levels, both internally and externally with polish and professionalism. 
• Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. 
• Strong project management mindset and is hyper organized in approach in delivering and managing operations. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically yet maintain contact with day-to-day performance.  
• Hands on with high energy, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a positive attitude. 
• History of consistently meeting/exceeding targets and objectives personally and as a leader. 
• Excellent presentation skills with a strong ability to present to senior-level executives. 
• Ability to lead and drive multiple competing priorities and thrive in a fast paced and complex environment. 

We are committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any stage of our hiring process, please advise us when completing your application.