Airline Relationship Manager

Job Title: Airline Relationship Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary Range :N850,000 - N1,000,000

Job Overview

We are hiring an Airline Relationship Manager to join our team. The Airline Relationship Manager role is a crucial bridge between the travel agency and its suppliers such as airlines etc. The primary role is to foster strong, collaborative relationships with airlines to ensure the travel agency can offer its customers the best possible flight deals and travel experiences. Success in the role is defined by securing favorable deals and maintaining strong relationships to ensure the travel agency is the preferred choice for customers. The ideal candidate will also have strong data and presentation skills related to performance tracking, competitive monitoring to ensure the travel agency continues to be a market leader.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with airline representatives, including account managers, sales teams, and executives. This involves regular communication, meetings, and networking to build trustand understanding.
• Contract Negotiations & Performance Monitoring: Negotiate contracts with airlines, covering aspects like pricing,commission structures, inventory allocation, and other commercial terms that benefit both the travel agency and itscustomers.
• Analyze contract performance to identify areas for improvement and negotiate more favorable terms in future contracts.
• Problem Resolution: Act as a liaison between the travel agency and suppliers to resolve any issues that may arise, such as booking errors, cancellations, or delays.
• Respond to crises, such as flight cancellations or disruptions, to minimize impact on customers and maintain positive relationships with airlines.·Sales Presentations: Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations to suppliers, highlighting the benefits of partnering with the travel agencies and showcasing past successes.
• Innovate by pitching new initaitives to suppliersCommercial Campaigns: Create and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop new revenue generating products and services. This may include but not be limited to special fares, offline sales, bundled packages, or exclusive deals for the travel agency customers.
• Use data to segment customers and tailor marketing strategies and product offerings to specific airline partnerships.· Competitive Analysis & Industry Trends: Track competitor performance, pricing strategies, and market share to maintain a market leader position. 
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and challenges.·
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze performance data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Monitor key performance indicators(KPIs) such as booking volume, revenue to measure the success of airline partnerships.
• Utilize predictive analytics and real time analysis to forecast future trends ,identify potential risks, optimize strategies to drive growth.
• Inventory Management: Work closely with airlines to ensure the travel agency has access to the latest flight schedules, seat availability, fare information etc. Set-uptraining and support to internal customer service teams on airline policies and procedures.
• Technical (GDS) & Customer Service Support: Work closely with airlines to ensure the travel agency has access to the latest flight schedules, seat availability, fare information, sales and marketing training etc.
• Provide technical support (when necessary) to the internal teams to address any challenges related to airline connectivity or data exchange.
• Work closely with the travel agency's customer service team to ensure smooth handling of airline-related inquiries andissues.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with various stakeholders within the travel agency, including marketing, sales, and operations, to ensure alignment with airline partnerships.

Job Requirement:

Ideal Candidate:

· Bachelor or Master's degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Economics, or a related field can be advantageous.

7 years+ of experience in the travel industry, preferably with an airline, travel agency, or related organization.

·Proven track record in sales, account management, or business development.

· Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable deals

· Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with airline representatives.

Skills and Knowledge:

·Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to track performance and identify trends.

· Understanding of financial metrics and contract negotiations.

· Ability to resolve issues and find solutions to challenges.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with various stakeholders.

· Proficiency in relevant software tools and systems, such as GDS (Amadeus),Microsoft Excel,

·Deep understanding of the airline industry, including trends, regulations, and competitive landscape.

·Experience in international travel can be advantageous.