Senior Manager, Partner Relations - DMC
Kensington delivers the world’s most personal travel experiences. We bring to life each client’s desire to travel in a way that’s tailored specifically for them, in the company of local private guides who ensure that they enjoy the authentic best of their destination. The result is a unique journey rich in memories that last a lifetime.
We achieve this because of our extraordinary people, experts with deep knowledge of their destinations. For over 120 countries worldwide, and across each of our brands – Tours, Cruises, Villas, Yachts, Jets, and Air.
To learn more about Kensington, visit kensingtontours.com.
About the Role
Reporting to the Senior Director of Partner Relations, the Senior Manager of Partner Relations for DMC will play a key role in building and growing partnerships with Destination Management Company (DMC) partners in key markets across the globe. This role is primarily focused on DMC competitiveness analysis, and ensuring favorable commercial terms and long term relationships with DMCs. In addition, this role will lead the evaluation and procurement of the right connectivity solutions between DMCs and Range Group. The Senior Manager will collaborate closely with DMC partners and Connectivity Partners to secure optimal pricing and inventory, while working with internal stakeholders to analyze performance, identify opportunities, and enhance product value. This role is critical in shaping commercial outcomes and maximizing value from our activities offerings.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and/or lead DMC contract negotiations, ensuring competitive availability and rates and favorable commercial terms aligned with Range Group’s overall buying strategy.
- Support and/or lead connectivity contract negotiations, ensuring real time availability and competitive rates across Range Group.
- Analyze DMC performance data, reporting, and competitive shop insights to identify opportunities for rate optimization and margin improvement.
- Execute strategies to enhance DMCs competitiveness across key markets, adapting approaches based on real-time data and business priorities.
- Maintain ongoing dialogue with DMCs and Connectivity partners to review performance, resolve issues, and capitalize on opportunities to strengthen our offering.
- Continuously monitor supply and market dynamics to build a deep understanding of the competitive landscape and inform negotiation strategies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytics, Product, Operations, other travel vertical Partner Relations team and Sales teams to ensure negotiated rates drive both profitability and customer value.
Qualifications
- Experience: 3-5 years in procurement, revenue management, partner relations, or a similar commercial role within the travel, hospitality, or tourism industry, and connectivity.
- Negotiation Expertise: Proven ability to negotiate rates, contracts, or commercial agreements that deliver measurable value. Advanced negotiation skills – able to deliver results while maintaining partner engagement.
- Analytical Skills: Strong capability to interpret data, reporting, and competitive benchmarking to inform negotiation strategies and decision-making.
- Industry Knowledge: Understanding DMC, distribution channels, and global market dynamics; experience working with other travel verticals is a strong asset. Experience with a global purchasing model and luxury services/product is an asset.
- Collaboration: Skilled at working cross-functionally with product, sales, and analytics teams to drive shared business objectives.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external partners. Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strategic Mindset: Ability to develop and execute strategies that balance competitiveness, profitability, and long-term value creation.
- Adaptability: Comfortable with fast-paced, data-driven environments where priorities shift based on market conditions and competitive insights. Ability to lead and drive multiple competing priorities and thrive in a fast paced and complex environment.
remote
The Range Group may use artificial intelligence throughout the recruitment process to screen, assess or select applicants for this position. These tools assist our hiring team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
We thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.