Job Purpose:

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships, you will be a leader within the BWH Hotels Marketing team responsible for identifying, cultivating, and overseeing impactful global online travel agency (OTA) partnerships and distribution strategies that align with our business objectives across our portfolio of 18 brands and over 4,000 hotels worldwide. Based in Phoenix and reporting into the Managing Director, Marketing Owner Relations and Strategic Partnerships, this role is a key contributor to our company’s growth and success. This role will have a dynamic individual with demonstrated history of relationship-building, strategic insight, and successful strategy development and implementation. The ideal candidate will have robust experience in the hospitality distribution landscape, encompassing operational, marketing, revenue, and technological strategies.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnerships:

• Oversee global OTA partners, ensuring alignment and successful collaboration to achieve business results.
• Collaborate to build and nurture strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Negotiate strategies and contracts with partners while collaborating with internal stakeholders.
• Conduct regular meetings, both virtually and in-person, to ensure ongoing partnership and global stakeholder success.
• Provide leadership and collaboration for revenue strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement through innovation, technology, and optimizing processes for operational efficiency that support our business objectives.
• Proactively collaborate with hoteliers for distribution success that aligns with our company’s business goals.

Strategy & Problem Solving:

• Demonstrated ability to establish strategies and deliver results in a constantly changing landscape with multiple layers of complexity.
• Ability to analyze complex distribution challenges and develop innovative strategies and solutions to yield measurable results.
• Strong aptitude for using insights to inform decisions and optimize outcomes.
• Proactive observation, research, and trend identification for opportunities to enhance partnerships.

Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a dynamic team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Build an environment that encourages professional growth and risk-taking.
• Proactive leadership to recognize and  address opportunities and challenges.
• Foster productive global collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Experience:

• 8+ years of hospitality experience in distribution partnership management, business development, or a related field.
• Led major distribution partnerships and negotiations for successful outcomes based on defined business strategies.
• Executed and managed partner contracts for contract adherence and delivered results.
• Demonstrated history of building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven understanding of OTAs, wholesalers, metasearch and overall understanding of distribution tactics, strategies, and market dynamics globally.
• Strong network within the industry that can be leveraged for partnership opportunities.

Skills:

• Strategic thinker with strong creative problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex information into actionable insights.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and a mindset geared towards continuous improvement.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickSight and Salesforce.
• Financial / budgeting acumen with financial accountability.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel for partnerships, collaboration, networking, and meetings as needed.
• You must reside in AZ and be able to work out of our Headquarters office three days per week.  HQ is located at: 6201 North 24th Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Working at BWH:

Welcome to BWH Hotels, where your passion for hospitality aligns with a purpose-driven mission. By joining our corporate team, you become part of a dynamic community focused on making a meaningful impact in the travel industry. At BWH Hotels, we are dedicated to inspiring travel through unique experiences. We uphold our core values: 

• Integrity and Accountability: We prioritize honesty and take responsibility for our actions. 
• Excellence in Service: We are committed to delivering the highest standards of service to our hotels and guests. 
• Respect and Inclusivity: We foster a safe, respectful, and diverse work environment. 
• Community Engagement: We actively contribute to the well-being of our global community and uphold human rights. 
• Environmental Stewardship: We embrace sustainable practices to protect our planet. 

Benefits Summary for Full Time Employees (work 30 + hours per week)

Available Day One:

•    Medical/Dental/Vision

•    Vacation/Sick/Floating Holidays - accruals start

•    401K – company match and direct contribution

•    Employee discounts/Hotel discounts

•    Financial and health wellness programs

Equal Employment Opportunity

Best Western International, Inc. (the “Company”) maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard race (including hair textures and hair styles associated with race), color or pigmentation, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, caste, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ individuals, height, or weight, pregnancy status, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. The Company’s equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment with the Company, including but not limited to, hiring, promotion, transfer, benefits, discipline and termination.

If you have concerns about improper conduct related to equal employment opportunity, please report your concerns immediately to your supervisor, a member of the Human Resources Department, or a member of the Executive Team. The Company will investigate all reports of improper conduct and will take appropriate action. No adverse action will be taken against anyone who, in good faith, reports such conduct, and employees, therefore, can and should raise concerns without fear of retaliation.