Contracting Manager - UAE Market - Tourism

An organization built on professionalism, extensive experience, and guest-centricity, Desert Gate was the long-sought dream of a visionary who established the company in 2004 as a supplier of the local needs of top-level tour operators in the UAE. Today, it is a full-fledged premium DMC, serving the seven emirates of the UAE, Oman, the Maldives, and its newest destinations Qatar and Mauritius. Over the years, the company has been recognised and rewarded for its innovative approach to product design as well as providing top notch service to its guests.

With a solid financial base complemented by a well-proven, reliable top management boasting 75 years of combined experience in the travel industry, Desert Gate envisions becoming the number one luxury travel group in the Gulf region, with a plan to expand its services to other destinations that are culturally connected to its home market.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the contracting and negotiation specialists in coordination with the Regional Contracting and Negotiation Manager and Director of Contracting.
• Partner with hotels and coordinate rates, special offers, seasons, allocations, release periods, overrides, terms & conditions, and cancellation policies.
• Negotiate with hotels and resolve any issues of the team in a timely manner.
• Review, compare, and analyze rates in each market and study the product requirements of the UAE / Middle East Market.
• Assign the team for in-site inspections and prepare hotel assessment reports.
• Track and correct product performance/support problems and assist in driving sales results.
• Manage accurate updates and maintenance of back-office systems.
• Ensure that entered rates are correct and up to date.
• Regularly monitor the online system for last minute bookings, cancellations, and other related transactions.
• Liaise with key departments in the company for smooth operations.
• Assist in resolving contracting related issues from other departments.
• Constantly communicate & cooperate with hotels & tour operators to achieve planned goals.
• Handle and monitor team attendance and schedules to ensure smooth operations.
• Train new staff in contracting, SOP, policies, system, etc.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the tourism/hospitality field within the UAE.
• Experience in a senior level position or managerial role.
• Hands-on experience in data entry related work from Hotel Contracts.
• Ability to establish and sustain professional relationships.
• Having great contacts in the industry will be advantageous.