Director, Channel Optimization and Distribution Strategy

 The Director of Channel Optimization and Distribution Strategy is responsible for shaping the multi-year strategy for our strategic third-party partners within the region. This role is essential for driving revenue growth by supporting the region in optimizing the channel mix to achieve top-line revenue goals. The role involves implementing cutting-edge strategies to enhance internal and external relationships to improve performance and support IHG's Book Direct Strategy. The Director will set the strategic direction and monitor the annual performance of IHG’s Intermediary Channels. Additionally, this position leads the implementation of Distribution Strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with regional strategies. By fostering collaboration within the team and leveraging your expertise, you will guide the connectivity roadmap that propels our company forward. You play a vital role in shaping the future trajectory of our business.

Your day to day  

• Serve as a senior business leader to lead the development of brand strategies, annual business plans, and 3-5 year strategic plans to strengthen the brand positioning and commercial objectives.  
• Develop and nurture strong relationships with strategic third-party, wholesale, and GDS distribution partners.  
• Responsible for negotiating favorable contract terms and managing the planning and implementation of the contracting process  
• Identify new industry trends, new ways of working with Intermediaries in the regional market that can help drive incremental business to the region.  
• Lead the proactive identification and prospecting of potential Intermediaries, conducting thorough assessments to ensure their alignment with our brands and market strategy to strategically expand our distribution network to grow revenues  
• Support the region to optimize channel mix to drive top-line revenue goals.  
• Initiate cross-channel education for both internal stakeholders and hotel level.  
• Initiate tools and levers for hotels to drive their channel performance.  
• Support rate parity and compliance across the region.  

What we need from you   

• Strong client management, problem solving, effective communication, negotiation and organization skills. Greater ability to act independently.  
• Understands the travel industry and the various channels of distribution  
• Ability to think and act more strategically and is directly responsible for more complex, global, high production OTA accounts.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cross-functional relationship management   
  Proficient in the use of MS Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word   
• Strong knowledge of overall IHG including IHG products, marketing programs.  
• Demonstrated project management experience in organizing, planning and executing large-scale projects from conception through implementation.  
• Ability to develop strong relationships and take on a more active role in engagement and presentation to key internal stakeholders.   
• Establishes goals and objectives, sets performance targets and timely delivery of projects.  

  Location - Our hybrid work structure is an expectation of three (3) days a week in office.  This expectation may be adjusted to evolve with the changing needs of the business.  

   The salary range for this role is $100,000.00 to $160,000.00 This role is also eligible for bonus pay.  We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.  

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