Sourcing Specialist

Accommodations Plus International (API) is the recognized industry leader in providing crew hotel and ground transportation travel technology & service solutions to commercial airlines. Established in 1984 as a small regional company, API has grown into a global provider serving 90 airlines globally supported by 23 locations around the world and employing over 415 full time associates.

API is seeking a seasoned professional to join our company in the role of Sourcing Manager. The Sourcing Manager will actively manage the procurement process, on behalf of our Airline clients with Hotel partners in assigned markets. In this role, responsibilities include market analysis and application, identifying industry trends, formation of sourcing strategy, sourcing multiple destinations, negotiating with hotels and ground transportation providers, and producing evaluation and recommendation presentations in Excel and PowerPoint.

Essential Functions:

• Manage hotel sourcing projects for our clients. Performing market research for accommodation and ground transportation, developing industry knowledge including market trends, cost drivers whilst building and maintaining established business relationships.
• Manage the Request for Proposal/Request for Information process, via API’s proprietary sourcing technology, assessing supplier against set of requirements, negotiating hotel offers, concessions, contract terms and conditions.
• Working with Account Managers to building sourcing strategies best suited to the sourcing project, including the identification of opportunities to run reverse auctions to expedite sourcings.
• Research, analyze and apply market trends and conditions in order to develop fit for purpose sourcing strategies and secure the best possible outcomes for airline and hotel partners.
• Create high quality and detailed evaluation reports, in Excel and PowerPoint presentations, that include proposal analysis and identified market trends within established deadlines. Strong communication skills are required to clearly articulate sourcing results.
• Adapt to the situation at hand e.g., quick market analysis and sourcing requirements to accommodate needs created due to the changing dynamics of airline schedules or unforeseen situations.
• Proactively approach each project with the goal of achieving a win-win solution.
• Update and track all information in Salesforce.
• Arrange site inspections for Account Managers and API Clients.
• Other job duties may be assigned to the Sourcing Manager when needed, based on the client’s or API’s needs. This will be communicated directly by his/her supervisor. 
• Ensure response times are within airline specific SLA’s.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum of two to three years’ experience in a procurement role, with at least 2 years of that time in a global role dealing with global suppliers and global supply markets 
• Minimum of two year travel industry experience, working closely with airlines and/or hotels is preferred.
• Strong English fluency. Multilingual skills are a plus. Preferred French, Mandarin, Japanese.
• Intermediate to Advance Microsoft Office computer skills, with emphasis on Excel and Powerpoint
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to produce high quality work. 
• Result driven with a problem-solving mindset.
• Previous contract negotiation experience
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Building Relationship, customer service and client relationship skills.
• Ability to work with and understand diverse cultures abroad.
• Ability to multi task and work well under strict deadlines and fast paced environment.
• Flexible schedule and ability to work after hours depending on business needs.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, normal core business hours. Occasional evening work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

This position does not require travel.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma
• Experience in procurement sourcing role 
• Experience in the travel industry and working closely with hotels is preferred.
• Bi-lingual is a plus (but not a requirement).

AAP/EEO Statement

Accommodations Plus International is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.