Commercial & Supply Side Partnerships Lead - Travel Vertical

Description:

We are seeking a dynamic, well-connected Commercial & Supply-Side Partnerships Lead to drive our early-stage supply validation efforts. Youll play a pivotal role in identifying, pitching, and securing partnerships with key travel supply players including aggregators, airlines, hotel chains, and other strategic providers to validate our marketplaces supply-side proposition and support initial product-market fit.

Key Responsibilities:

- Supply-Side Strategy: Shape and execute the go-to-market strategy for travel supply partnerships (airlines, OTAs, GDSs, hotel groups, tour operators, etc.).

- Partner Sourcing: Leverage your existing network and industry expertise to identify and engage the first 3-5 strategic travel supply partners.

- Commercial Negotiation: Lead outreach, pitch presentations, and negotiation of partnership terms (e.g., commercial, data-sharing, or inventory access agreements).

- Validation & Insights: Gather partner feedback to validate demand, assess technical feasibility, and inform our product and commercial strategy.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, operations, and leadership teams to ensure partner integrations and pilots align with business objectives.

- Pipeline Management: Build and maintain a structured partner pipeline and report progress to stakeholders.

Requirements:

- Experience: 6+ years in business development, partnerships, or supply management within the travel, hospitality, or aviation industry.

- Network: Strong existing relationships with key players across travel supply verticals (e.g., aggregators, hotel chains, airlines, GDSs).

- Commercial Acumen: Proven track record of structuring and closing partnership deals that deliver measurable business value.

- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of travel distribution models, APIs/integration, and the commercial levers of travel inventory.

- Execution-Oriented: Ability to move fast in an ambiguous, startup environment with minimal structure.

- Communication Skills: Exceptional presentation, stakeholder management, and negotiation abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Prior experience working with or for OTAs, GDSs, or travel-tech startups.

- Familiarity with travel APIs, supply-side integrations, and contracting processes.

- Global network across airlines, hotels, and/or aggregators.

What We Offer:

- Opportunity to shape the commercial foundation of a high-potential travel platform from day one.

- Flexible work arrangements and outcome-driven autonomy.

- Potential for long-term leadership role as the business scales.