Must be located in the United States of America
Description:
The Director, Travel Products & Operations (Americas) is responsible for leading the strategic direction, delivery, and ongoing optimization of Aspire's travel products and services across the Americas region. This role serves as the primary representative of the Global Travel organization within the Americas and is accountable for product management, client implementations, operational excellence, research and analysis, and team leadership.
The Director will oversee multiple functions, including Product Management, Client Implementation, and Travel Research & Analysis, ensuring that travel solutions meet client expectations, support business growth, and deliver exceptional traveler experiences. This role requires strong travel industry expertise, technical aptitude, and proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a complex travel technology environment.
Job Responsibilities:
Travel Product Strategy & Management:
- Define and execute the travel product roadmap for the Americas region in alignment with global strategy.
- Identify opportunities to enhance travel booking, servicing, content, and customer experience capabilities.
- Partner with technology, operations, suppliers, and client stakeholders to prioritize product enhancements and innovation initiatives.
- Lead product lifecycle management from concept and requirements through implementation and post-launch optimization.
Travel Client Management & Solution Leadership:
- Serve as the senior travel subject matter expert (SME) for assigned clients, providing strategic guidance on travel products, travel technology, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices.
- Partner with clients' travel stakeholders to understand evolving business needs and identify opportunities for new travel functionality, enhancements, and service improvements.
- Collaborate with Product, Technology, Operations, and Supplier teams to define, prioritize, and deliver client-specific travel initiatives and enhancements.
- Represent the travel organization in client discussions related to travel strategy, product capabilities,supplier solutions, and travel technology roadmaps.
Regional Travel Leadership:
- Represent the Global Travel organization throughout the Americas region.
- Act as a key liaison between regional teams and global travel leadership.
- Ensure regional priorities are aligned with global strategic objectives.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Build, lead, and mentor high-performing teams across Product Management, Implementation, and Research & Analysis.
- Establish clear performance expectations and development plans for direct reports.
- Drive accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Develop organizational structures and resource plans that support business growth.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of travel distribution and fulfillment processes.
- Experience working with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), including Sabre, Amadeus, or Travelport.
- Understanding of airline, hotel, car rental, and ancillary travel products.
- Knowledge of online booking tools, travel technology platforms, supplier connectivity, APIs, and travel operations.
- Familiarity with travel servicing, issue management, and operational support environments.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to work effectively with engineering and technology teams.
- Experience with software development lifecycles, Agile methodologies, and product delivery processes.
- Ability to translate business requirements into technology solutions.
- Experience using reporting, analytics, and operational performance tools.
- Understanding of integrations, APIs, workflows, and travel technology ecosystems.
- Strong Leadership Competencies, including but not limited to: Strategic thinking, Executive communication, Cross functional collaboration, Team development and Coaching.
Work Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s degree is a plus.
- 10+ years of experience in the travel industry.
- 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional organizations.
- Strong experience in travel product management, travel technology, or travel operations leadership roles.
- Experience leading client implementations, onboarding programs, or large-scale travel technology deployments.
- Proven success managing multiple teams and complex stakeholder environments.
- Experience working with global organizations and geographically distributed teams.
- Ability to communicate in English (verbally and written) in a polished and professional manner is required.
- This position is a travel position -20/25%.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Must have a dedicated, quiet, and private workspace free from distractions.
- Ability to sit and remain at a desk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day) while operating acomputer and telephone headset.
- Reliable high-speed uninterrupted internet connection meeting minimum company standards.
- Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Clear, polished and professional verbal & written communication and active listening skills toeffectively interact with clients and team members.
- May occasionally require walking, standing, or light lifting (up to 10 pounds) of equipment such as a laptop or office supplies.
Aspire Lifestyles is committed to ensuring accessibility for all persons with a disability and to providing excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
