VP, Destination & Specialty Partnerships

The VP, Destination, Tours & Specialty Partnerships is responsible for leading Ensemble’s global strategy and commercial performance across tour operators, sun & sand suppliers, DMCs, ground transportation, insurance, air partnerships, and tourism boards.

This executive role owns the commercial frameworks, partner strategy, revenue growth, and overall performance of the Destination & Specialty portfolio. This role will lead a high-performing team, strengthen strategic supplier relationships, expand Ensemble’s global footprint, and drive measurable value for both members and partners.

The ideal candidate is a strategic yet hands-on commercial leader who thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven environment and is passionate about elevating the travel ecosystem.

• Develop and execute the global strategy for Destination & Specialty partnerships aligned with Ensemble’s commercial objectives.
• Own revenue, override, marketing contribution, and growth targets across the full portfolio.
• Evaluate portfolio performance and optimize mix across tour, DMC, sun & sand, ground, air, insurance, and tourism board partners.
• Identify whitespace opportunities and onboard new high-value, strategic partners globally.

• Lead complex negotiations to secure competitive commercial terms, overrides, marketing funds, and exclusive member benefits.
• Establish profitable distribution frameworks that drive measurable ROI for both Ensemble and its partners.
• Review and oversee all contracts, ensuring compliance with brand standards, legal requirements, and financial objectives.

• Own executive-level relationships with key strategic partners.
• Lead quarterly and annual business reviews with partners and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor sales performance and implement corrective initiatives where targets are at risk.
• Represent Ensemble at global industry events and elevate the consortium’s market positioning.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across the Destination & Specialty vertical.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Product, Operations, Analytics, Finance, and Sales to ensure alignment on commercial goals.
• Collaborate with technology teams to enhance distribution, reporting visibility, and partner integration.
• Drive accountability through KPIs and data-led decision making.

• Ensure partner portfolio delivers differentiated, high-quality travel experiences for Ensemble members and their clients.
• Identify opportunities to enhance member engagement, education, and adoption of preferred programs.
• Support strategic initiatives that elevate the overall value proposition of the consortium.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of travel industry, procurement, partner relations, or commercial leadership experience.
• 7+ years in senior leadership roles managing teams and complex supplier portfolios.
• Deep understanding of tour operators, DMCs, insurance, air, ground, and/or destination partnerships.
• Proven track record of negotiating high-value commercial agreements.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing revenue targets and profitability.
• Analytical mindset with ability to synthesize data into strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically.
• Exceptional executive presence and presentation skills.
• Experience working within a global purchasing or consortium model strongly preferred.

• Thrives in a KPI-driven, technology-enabled organization.
• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• High ownership mentality with low ego and high accountability.
• Comfortable navigating change and building structure within growth.
• Strong collaborator who can influence across functions and senior leadership levels.

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