[Hiring] Director, Business Development- Air Partner Relations @Internova Travel Group

Role Description

The Director, Business Development- Air Partner Relations for Internova's Air, Car, and GDS programs, will be responsible for driving strategies that optimize advisor and branch participation and deliver measurable revenue growth. Champion initiatives that strengthen supplier partnerships, enhance client success, and align with Internova’s broader objectives. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence and position GTC as a market leader in air and GDS solutions.

• Strategic Negotiation & Partnership Management: Assist with management during high-level negotiations of GDS hosting agreements with Associate ARC Branches, ensuring optimal terms and timely financial reconciliation to maximize profitability.
• Revenue Optimization: Recommend and implement strategies that align suppliers and BU clients to drive incremental revenue and strengthen performance.
• Program Development & Implementation: Oversee the onboarding and integration of Associate ARC branches, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and seamless access to airline agreements.
• Performance Management: Facilitate monthly Air Branch strategy sessions, providing actionable insights and detailed override performance reports to branch owners to unlock growth opportunities.
• Industry Representation: Serve as a key representative for air programs at company/industry events, articulating program value to clients and supplier partners to foster engagement and loyalty.
• Financial Planning & Forecasting: Assist with the annual budget forecasting for air, car, and GDS revenue streams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market trends.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Coordinate quarterly business reviews with supplier partners, delivering data-driven performance insights and actionable strategies to address gaps and accelerate mutual growth.
• Sponsorship & Marketing Leadership: Drive sponsorship opportunities and collaborate with events and industry relations teams to maximize funding opportunities and enhance supplier visibility.
• Contractual Oversight: Assist in GDS relationships on behalf of Internova, auditing compliance, and ensuring accurate reporting of segment production to Finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration or equivalent
• 7+ years’ experience in the travel industry
• Possess a strong understanding of how ARC, IATAN, and the GDS work
• 7+ years of customer service experience with the ability to handle escalated service issues and push preferred partners to provide resolution
• 5+ years of delivering corporate air growth strategy
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of GDS, NDC
• Knowledge of Fare Calculation / Fare Distribution / Fare Rules
• Knowledge of Exchange & Refund
• Extensive fare and ticketing knowledge
• Proficient with interpretation of fare ladders
• Knowledge of IATA rules and fare regulations
• Experience with analyzing most competitive fare with best commission opportunity
• Proficient with commission contract vocabulary and application
• Quantitative skills to analyze and evaluate proposals/contracts which results in mutually beneficial outcomes for members and headquarters
• Excellent communication skills including presentation skills, writing skills, etc.
• Highly organized and efficient individual with a keen eye for detail
• Strong Microsoft Office skills: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel as required

Benefits

• Choice of two medical plans and two dental plans
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D
• Optional additional life insurance and AD&D
• Disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• 401k Plan with company match
• Discounted employee travel options
• Access to LinkedIn Learning webinars and courses
• Discounted pet insurance and auto, home, & renters insurance