What you will do on your journey with WebBeds.

As a Contracts Manager based in London, you will play a pivotal role in achieving WebBeds' strategic objectives by managing the contracting process for hotels across the UK and key destinations. Your expertise in negotiating favorable terms and building strong relationships with hotel partners will be essential to expanding our portfolio and ensuring optimal pricing and availability. This position requires a proactive and dynamic individual with a keen commercial awareness and a passion for the travel industry.

In this role you will:

As a Contracts Manager at WebBeds, you will collaborate with the Director of Purchasing and the Regional Team Manager to define product requirements and identify new opportunities within the market. Your responsibilities will include contracting hotels, maintaining relationships with suppliers, and ensuring that our offerings align with market demand. You will negotiate rates, oversee inventory and pricing changes, and monitor competitor activities to maximize profitability. Additionally, you will ensure that hotel inspections are conducted regularly, keeping all property details up to date.

Key Responsibilities.

• Consult with the Director of Purchasing and Regional Team Manager to define specific product requirements.
• Expand WebBeds' hotel portfolio by identifying new opportunities and analyzing market trends in key destinations.
• Ensure timely re-contracting of hotels within specified deadlines.
• Identify essential hotels within destinations and negotiate contracts where appropriate.
• Organize regular visits to local hotels to build and maintain strong relationships with hoteliers.
• Collaborate with the Director of Purchasing and Regional Team Manager on product deletions and additions.
• Negotiate competitive rates, special offers, and added-value deals, driving booking volume in destinations.
• Coordinate with Product Managers on inventory and pricing changes to optimize offerings.
• Monitor competitor pricing and availability in line with market demand.
• Work closely with the yield team to maximize profitability and communicate peak/trough dates for appropriate pricing.
• Advise on preferred partner hotels, negotiating exclusive deals to enhance our portfolio.
• Address and resolve any service level issues with suppliers promptly.
• Ensure hotels are inspected regularly and that details (photos, amenities, etc.) are updated in our systems.
• Communicate essential destination information internally, including peak dates and trade shows.
• Register with relevant tourist boards to gain valuable information and enhance WebBeds' profile.
• Manage supplier relationships throughout the contract period, addressing close-out requests and other issues.
• Collaborate with the Health and Safety team to maintain up-to-date reports.
• Communicate professionally with both internal teams and external partners, adhering to corporate guidelines.

The skills we would love to see in your suitcase.

• Contracting Experience: Proven experience in contracting within the hotel industry, ideally with OTAs, bedbanks, or tour operators.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of market dynamics and ability to identify and capitalize on contracting opportunities.
• Relationship Management: Ability to develop and maintain trusting relationships with hoteliers and suppliers.
• Negotiation Skills: Highly developed negotiation skills with a track record of securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in contracts and documentation.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate market trends and competitor pricing.
• Communication Skills: Well-developed written and verbal communication skills in English to engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Time Management: Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Self-Motivated: A proactive, dynamic approach with a strong sense of initiative and motivation to achieve targets.