Managing the sourcing process for airline and cruise line accommodation and transport needs is the primary focus of this role, encompassing crew and distressed passengers. This position involves running RFPs, completing hotel contracting, and conducting market research to generate intel reports. The role suits a candidate with strong negotiation skills and an understanding of the aviation and hospitality industries, particularly for the Japanese market.
Responsibilities
Run RFPs for airline and cruise line clients' accommodations and transport needs for both crew, distressed passengers and other airline business as assigned
Complete hotel contracting when applicable
Conduct market research to write intel reports
Liaise with hotels directly and hotel brands to improve hotel relations and train hotels in TA Connections' processes for managing airline business
Handle and coordinate multiple projects in an efficient and timely manner by taking ownership of each task assigned
Liaise with other departments to ensure a timely and accurate handover of assigned RFPs/projects
Conduct market research, property analysis and market RFPs consistent with each client's specifications for crew and/or distressed passengers' accommodations
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 the 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 transportation 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
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
For DPAX sourcing, send out communications (blasts) to set up new ports
For DPAX sourcing, ensure suppliers are activated in new ports (i.e., so, they know who TA Connections is, our processes, what is required, etc.)
For DPAX sourcing, ensure suppliers respond to TA Connections' requests (i.e., 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
Requirements
Full fluency in both English and Japanese
Native Japanese speaker preferred
In-depth understanding of the needs of client's operations as well as understanding their accommodation requirements
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
Ability to learn new platforms/tools
Bi- or multi-lingual a plus; advise of any language proficiencies where fully fluent to conduct business
Important Details
Assigned duties subject to change based on needs of the company
About the Company
TA Connections assists airline and cruise line clients with their accommodation and transport needs.
