Head of Contracting

About the Role

Umrahbookings is seeking a Head of Contracting to lead the company's hotel contracting strategy and commercial accommodation portfolio. This is a full-time, senior leadership position based in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, reporting directly to the CEO and Head of Commercial. The role involves developing the overall contracting strategy, expanding Umrahbookings' hotel network, and leading the Contracting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the overall hotel contracting strategy, establish annual contracting objectives with the CEO, identify strategic opportunities across Makkah, Madinah, and other Saudi destinations, build a scalable contracting structure, and establish contracting targets, KPIs, and performance reporting.
• Hotel Partnerships: Lead negotiations with key hotels and hotel groups, develop strategic relationships with senior hotel management, secure competitive rates and preferential commercial terms, negotiate allocations and inventory commitments, identify opportunities for exclusive or preferred rates, and develop long-term strategic partnerships.
• Team Management: Lead and develop the Contracting Manager and Contracting Executives, establish clear individual and departmental KPIs, build processes for hotel acquisition, contracting, renewal, and performance management, train and mentor the contracting team, and conduct regular performance reviews and pipeline meetings.
• Commercial Management: Monitor hotel production, revenue, and profitability, analyze booking trends and agent demand, identify underperforming contracts and develop corrective strategies, ensure the hotel portfolio meets the needs of Umrahbookings' international agency network, and collaborate with Sales, Reservations, Marketing, and Operations.
• Seasonal Strategy: Lead contracting preparation for Ramadan, Hajj, peak Umrah periods, school holidays, Saudi public holidays, and international travel peaks.

Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of senior-level experience in hotel contracting, wholesale travel, hospitality, DMC, OTA, or tourism.
• A strong existing network within the Saudi hotel industry.
• Extensive knowledge of Makkah and Madinah accommodation markets.
• Proven track record of commercial negotiations.
• Experience managing contracting teams.
• Strong understanding of hotel distribution, wholesale rates, allocations, and inventory.
• Saudi hospitality / Hajj & Umrah experience is highly desirable.

Required Skills

• Excellent commercial and analytical ability.
• Strong leadership and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to negotiate at a senior management level.

Work Environment and Location

This role is based in Saudi Arabia, with a preference for candidates located in Jeddah. The position requires a full-time commitment within a dynamic and growing company focused on the Umrah and Hajj travel sectors.

Application Process

Umrahbookings invites qualified candidates to apply for this Head of Contracting position. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.