Global Contracting Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Global Contracting Manager based in Netherlands.

Join a global travel organization where you’ll help shape the supplier partnerships behind memorable experiences across Scandinavia, the Balkans, and Central <Europe.You>’ll lead negotiations and contracting strategies across hotels, transportation, restaurants, attractions, guides, and other tour components.Your work will directly influence product quality, operational readiness, financial performance, and competitive <positioning.You>’ll build trusted long-term relationships with suppliers while securing the inventory needed to support tour operations and future growth.The role combines commercial strategy, relationship management, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic international <environment.You>’ll work closely with product and operational teams to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure contracted experiences meet high standards.This is an ideal opportunity for a travel professional with strong negotiation skills who enjoys global partnerships, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Accountabilities

• Lead contract negotiations across all tour components, including hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, attractions, guides, and other suppliers.
• Develop and execute strategic vendor negotiation approaches designed to achieve commercial, operational, and quality objectives.
• Secure agreements that comply with organizational terms, conditions, quality standards, and product expectations.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with contracted vendors and destination partners.
• Address supplier-related challenges, including additional dates, custom requests, inventory requirements, and operational needs.
• Secure the inventory necessary to support tour delivery, operational planning, and business growth.
• Ensure supplier partnerships consistently contribute to high-quality tour experiences and product excellence.
• Deliver contracting objectives that support financial plans, profitability, and competitive market positioning.
• Provide contracting expertise and solutions to teams across the organization when supplier or agreement-related challenges arise.
• Conduct market, destination, and supplier research and prepare effectively for in-destination contracting meetings.
• Collaborate with Product Management to review quality and excellence results and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align contracting strategies with broader product, operational, and commercial objectives.
• Explore and leverage AI and emerging technologies to improve contracting processes, enhance content and information, and increase operational efficiency.
• Adapt responsibilities and priorities as business needs evolve.

Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience in contract negotiation, preferably within travel, tourism, hospitality, procurement, or a related industry.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, with the ability to develop mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to create and execute strategic contracting plans aligned with business objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a practical approach to resolving supplier and operational challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging both external partners and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, negotiations, and supplier relationships in a dynamic international environment.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of international destinations, travel products, and supplier ecosystems is highly valued.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance financial objectives with quality and customer experience requirements.
• Curiosity and a continuous-learning mindset, including an interest in using AI and emerging technologies to improve ways of working.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Comfortable working independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with global colleagues.

Benefits

• Full-time, remote position for candidates residing in Europe.
• Opportunity to work across Scandinavia, the Balkans, and Central Europe.
• International exposure through relationships with suppliers, partners, and colleagues across multiple destinations.
• Opportunity to directly influence tour quality, supplier partnerships, financial performance, and customer experiences.
• Dynamic environment within the global travel and tourism industry.
• Opportunities to travel domestically and internationally as part of the role.
• Collaborative, people-focused culture with opportunities to learn and grow.
• Exposure to emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools and process improvements.
• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative and high-quality travel experiences.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, according to the country of employment and applicable local terms.