Talent.com
Head of Airline Partnerships
Head of Airline PartnershipsKensington • Washington, DC, US
Head of Airline Partnerships

Head of Airline Partnerships

Kensington • Washington, DC, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Head Of Airline Partnerships

Kensington delivers the world's most personal travel experiences. We bring to life each client's desire to travel in a way that's tailored specifically for them, in the company of local private guides who ensure that they enjoy the authentic best of their destination. The result is a unique journey rich in memories that last a lifetime.

We achieve this because of our extraordinary people, experts with deep knowledge of their destinations. For over 120 countries worldwide, and across each of our brands Tours, Cruises, Villas, Yachts, Jets, and Air.

Kensington Tours is seeking a strategic and results-driven Head of Airline Partnerships to lead global airline partner relations, procurement and contracting. Reporting to the SVP, Partner Relations, this role is responsible for securing the most competitive airline rates, commissions, and incentive programs in the market, while cultivating strong relationships with key airline partners. The ideal candidate is a seasoned negotiator with deep industry expertise, capable of delivering immediate and measurable revenue impact through best-in-class agreements.

This is a high-impact leadership role that leads a small team and requires a hands-on approach, commercial acumen, and the ability to manage complex negotiations across multiple carriers and markets. The Senior Director will ensure that all airline contracts are optimized, deployed effectively across brands, and consistently monitored for performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the negotiation and re-negotiation of global airline contracts to secure competitive rates, commissions, and overrides.
  • Structure agreements that maximize profitability and align with business objectives.
  • Ensure all contracts are accurately documented, tracked, and enforced.
  • Deliver against annual airline revenue and override targets through strategic contracting.
  • Identify gaps in existing agreements and implement improvements to enhance commercial terms.
  • Monitor contract performance and take proactive action to address underperformance.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key airline stakeholders at both commercial and executive levels.
  • Conduct regular business reviews to assess performance, resolve issues, and unlock incremental opportunities.
  • Ensure airline partners are aligned with Kensington's strategic goals and growth plans.
  • Distribute negotiated contracts efficiently across all brands and internal teams.
  • Equip frontline teams with the tools, training, and support needed to maximize contract utilization.
  • Monitor adoption and intervene where contracts are under-leveraged.
  • Streamline contract workflows and onboarding processes to accelerate speed to market.
  • Implement robust tracking and reporting systems for contract terms, deadlines, and performance metrics.
  • Provide regular updates to the SVP, Commercial on airline performance, contract status, and strategic opportunities.

Qualifications

  • Several years of experience in airline procurement, contracting, or partnerships, with a proven track record of delivering revenue growth.
  • Deep understanding of airline fare structures including private fares, net fares, published fares, and commission models.
  • Strong global network of airline contacts and ability to influence at senior levels.
  • Advanced negotiation and contract management skills with demonstrated success in securing favorable commercial terms.
  • Highly action-oriented with the ability to manage multiple complex negotiations simultaneously.
  • Strong analytical and business judgment skills to evaluate and optimize commercial agreements.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate recommendations clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Key Skills

  • Expertise in global airline contract negotiation (net fares, private fares, commissions, overrides).
  • Strong relationship management and influencing capabilities.
  • Financial acumen and analytical skills to assess and improve contract performance.
  • Hands-on leadership style with a focus on execution and results.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • We thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

    Create a job alert for this search

    Head Partnership • Washington, DC, US

    Related jobs
    Partnerships Manager

    Partnerships Manager

    RevPanda • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    We are looking for a Partnerships Manager to join our growing and dynamic team.As a Partnerships Manager, you will play a critical role in expanding Ace Alliance's partner ecosystem.Your focus will...Show more
    Last updated: 22 days ago • Promoted
    Channel Partner Manager (Northeast)

    Channel Partner Manager (Northeast)

    Glean • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Channel Partner Manager (Northeast).Founded in 2019, Glean is an innovative AI-powered knowledge management platform designed to help organizations quickly find, organize, and share information acr...Show more
    Last updated: 29 days ago • Promoted
    Head of Business Development Function

    Head of Business Development Function

    Duetto • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Head Of Business Development Function.The Head Of Business Development will be responsible for leading and scaling a high-performing Business Development Representative (BDR) team.This team focuses...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Head of Efficiency

    Head of Efficiency

    Sword Health • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Sword Health is on a mission to free two billion people from pain.With 67% of members achieving a pain-free life and a 70% reduction in surgery intent, at Sword, we are using AI Care to change live...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Subcontracts Specialist

    Subcontracts Specialist

    Leidos • Columbia, MD, US
    Full-time
    Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health.Our Global Supply Chain organization is seeking an Associate Subcontracts S...Show more
    Last updated: 1 day ago • Promoted
    Partnerships & Events Director

    Partnerships & Events Director

    Mural • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    The marketing team amplifies Mural's story to the world through creative, strategic, and measurable programs that drive awareness and engagement. We're a collaborative group of marketers, storytelle...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Director of Brand Partnerships (Remote)

    Director of Brand Partnerships (Remote)

    charity : water • Washington, DC, US
    Remote
    Full-time
    Director Of Brand Partnerships (Remote).Main areas of focus : Brand partnership Development, Cultivation and Stewardship, Team Management, Fundraising, Brand Building. Eligibility : At this time, we a...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Head Of North American Public Policy

    Head Of North American Public Policy

    Chainalysis • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    The Head Of Policy, North America, will assume a strategic role within the Policy and Regulatory Affairs team at Chainalysis. This role is responsible for directing the company's engagement with US ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Director, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships

    Director, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships

    Project HOPE • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Director, Corporate & Foundation Partnerships, Development and Communications.Location : District of Columbia United States. Project HOPE is an international NGO of more than 1,000 engaged employees ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Head of Demand Generation

    Head of Demand Generation

    Givzey • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Our Virtual Engagement Officers (VEOs) work independently as revenue-generating team members, each managing portfolios of 1,000 donors with clear fundraising metrics. We're looking for a Head of Dem...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Sr. Alliance Partnerships Manager

    Sr. Alliance Partnerships Manager

    BILL • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    At BILL, we believe in empowering the businesses that drive our economy.By replacing outdated financial processes with innovative tools, we help businessesfrom startups to established brandsmake sm...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Subcontracts Specialist

    Subcontracts Specialist

    Leidos Inc • Columbia, MD, United States
    Full-time
    Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health.Our Global Supply Chain organization is seeking an Associate Subcontracts Speci...Show more
    Last updated: 14 days ago • Promoted
    Manager / Director of Strategic Partnerships - Remote

    Manager / Director of Strategic Partnerships - Remote

    Remote Staffing • Washington, DC, US
    Remote
    Full-time
    Manager / Director Of Strategic Partnerships.Aria Systems provides a SaaS billing and monetization platform for complex services industries including Telecoms, Media, Technology, and Manufacturing.Ar...Show more
    Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
    Director, Enterprise Partnerships

    Director, Enterprise Partnerships

    Marriott Hotels Resorts • Bethesda, Maryland, USA
    Full-time
    The Director Enterprise Partnerships leads the global strategy strategic planning and account management ofglobal / multi-market partnerships in Lifestyle & Ecosystem partner verticals (Uber Star...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    Amadeus Corporate Travel and Meetings Expert

    Amadeus Corporate Travel and Meetings Expert

    Travelhrportal • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Amex GBT is a place where colleagues find inspiration in travel as a force for good and through their work can make an impact on our industry. We're here to help our colleagues achieve success and...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Channel Partnerships Manager

    Channel Partnerships Manager

    rePurpose Global • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Founded in 2017, rePurpose is the leading Packaging Sustainability & Compliance platform for consumer companies.As pioneers of verified plastic recovery, the company enables brands to measure their...Show more
    Last updated: 22 days ago • Promoted
    Head of Revenue Operations

    Head of Revenue Operations

    Ambient.ai • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Build a safer world with us, one incident at a time.AI-powered physical security platform helping the worlds leading enterprises reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and gain critical insig...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Partnership Manager, Field - Hybrid (South)

    Partnership Manager, Field - Hybrid (South)

    Edmentum • Washington, DC, US
    Full-time
    Partnership Manager, Field - Hybrid (South).Edmentum is a dynamic educator and student-focused company dedicated to tech-enabled learning solutions. Our goal is to ensure that all students have acce...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted