Senior Manager, Distribution Connectivity

JOB SUMMARY 

As a member of the Distribution Strategy team, the Senior Manager, Distribution Connectivity serves as a connectivity subject matter expert, working in partnership with the Senior Director, Global Connectivity, and other key connectivity stakeholders across the organization. This role will provide guidance on strategic needs and how to grow partnerships through new and enhanced capabilities enabled by Marriott’s transformation and technology architecture. The Senior Manager will execute evolving distribution strategies across the complex B2B and B2C intermediary segments while transitioning Marriott’s legacy platforms to new technological capabilities. This role will focus on enhancing third-party partnerships globally to support new strategies and best-in-class distribution for Marriott franchisees. 

The responsibilities of this role include supporting the implementation and execution of partner interfaces, enhancements, distribution initiatives, and escalation and resolution processes to ensure business objectives and operational service levels are met. This role will also work closely with the commercial account teams within the Global Sales and Distribution organizations to ensure Marriott’s distribution partners are connected and achieve business continuity. This role is responsible for representing Distribution requirements for Marriott’s technology transformation on behalf of third-party partners within the Americas region, while keeping in mind a frictionless customer experience, providing intuitive technology for associates, and positioning Marriott to pursue emerging business opportunities. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience 

Required 

• 4-year degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related major, and 4+ years of relevant professional experience demonstrating progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance; 

OR 

• 6+ years of relevant professional experience in marketing or a related function, demonstrating progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance. 

Preferred 

• At least four years of relevant work experience managing complex projects and efforts to successful execution 

• Possess a strong understanding of third-party distribution channels and core Marriott systems 

• Previous experience working with CRS systems, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and/or technology intermediaries 

• Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities; obtain and compare information from different sources; draw conclusions; and choose a course of action 

• Previous experience working with all levels of the organization 

• Background in 3rd party account management, managing partner expectations/needs/requirements 

• Strong understanding of and proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and PowerPoint 

• Experience presenting and explaining new requirements/needs to leadership with comfort 

• Familiarity working with cross-functional stakeholders including sales, revenue management, and technology organizations 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

• Serves as Connectivity Subject Matter Expert (SME) for 3rd party distribution systems 

• Provides insights into distribution environment and makes recommendations on how to support strategic distribution initiatives 

• Acts as a consultant for key distribution partners to educate on best practices for implementing Marriott Distribution Programs 

• Works with key distribution partners to optimize and grow Marriott’s presence and revenue 

• Manages expectations for the IT roadmap to implement new partner interfaces that support the Global and Continent Distribution Strategy 

• Manages the implementation of core capabilities and enhancements to existing partner interfaces 

• Works with commercial teams to activate new partners while maintaining high standards of operational service levels 

• Works with the Director, Channel Operations & Support, to monitor property and partner feedback and manage the escalation and resolution process 

• Identifies knowledge gaps and creates a plan to educate key stakeholders to better understand how distribution strategies are managed and executed 

• Develops and sustains relationships based on an understanding of stakeholders’ needs; works effectively within a complex and ambiguous environment; navigates decisions logically; and acts in the best interest of the company 

• Uses an effective interpersonal style to build a cohesive team and inspires and sustains team engagement by focusing the team on its mission and importance to the organization. 

• Sets high standards of performance for self and others. 

• Assumes responsibility and accountability for goals. 

• Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders 

• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders. 

• Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work. 

• Determines priorities, schedules, plans, and necessary resources to ensure projects are completed on schedule. 

• Collaborates with internal partners and stakeholders to support business and initiative strategies 

• Communicate concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand. 

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc. 

• Demonstrates an understanding of business priorities. 

• Sets clear goals and expectations for direct reports using the performance review process and holds direct report(s) accountable for performance. 

• Leads a specific team while helping the department meet or exceed its goals. 

• Translates broader organizational initiatives into relevant goals for direct report(s). 

• Creates and nurtures an environment that emphasizes motivation, empowerment, teamwork, and continuous improvement.