Destination Manager

British Airways; Northgate; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company is seeking a Destination Manager to shape the future of its global hotel portfolio. This role involves full accountability for the buying and supplier strategy within the assigned region, aimed at maximizing profitability and fostering strong partnerships. Candidates should have a strong background in buying and negotiation within the travel sector, along with leadership skills and the ability to analyze data effectively. Hybrid working is offered, requiring two office days a week in Crawley.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Unlimited standby and premium fares

Flexible working hours

Pension contributions

Private medical and dental cover

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong experience in buying and negotiation within the travel industry.
• Proficiency in managing destination or product portfolios end-to-end.
• Passion for quality, with focus on standards and brand reputation.

Responsibilities

• Own and implement the buying and supplier strategy for your region.
• Build and manage strong, long-term partnerships with hotel suppliers.
• Maximize profitability using booking data and web analytics.

Skills

Buying and negotiation skills

Analytical capability

Leadership skills

Relationship management

Job description

British Airways Holidays

Come and be part of our next adventure

Hybrid – Crawley (2 days p/w)

Who we are

At British Airways Holidays, we don’t just sell holidays — we create memories. Whether it’s hand‑picked hotels, curated car hire, or unforgettable experiences, we help our customers make the most of their time away. And it all starts with our people.

We’re a thriving business, passionate about travel and part of IAG Loyalty, the people behind the global loyalty currency Avios. Each business has its own goals, strategy and team, but collectively we share a purpose to create the world’s most rewarding experiences for our customers through holidays, loyalty programmes and new products.

We’re on a truly exciting journey of growth and transformation – we’re going places! This is where you come in.

Destination Manager – Shape the future of our global hotel portfolio

At British Airways Holidays, our Destination Team sits at the very heart of the business. The hotels we choose, the partnerships we build, and the destinations we develop are fundamental to the success of our iconic brand.

As a Destination Manager you will take full accountability for your region — shaping it end‑to‑end, defining the buying and supplier strategy, and driving commercial performance with the backing, scale and stability of one of the world’s most prestigious travel brands. Roles with this level of influence, autonomy and long‑term impact don’t come along often.

Why this role is different

• True ownership – you own your region from strategy through to delivery. You decide how it’s built, grown and optimised.
• High business impact – your decisions directly influence profitability, customer experience and the strength of our global portfolio.
• End‑to‑end accountability – from sourcing and selection to negotiation, performance management and product quality.
• Iconic brand backing – negotiate and build with the weight, credibility and long‑term stability of British Airways Holidays behind you. Your expertise genuinely shapes direction.
• Partnership, not transactions – you’ll negotiate hard, but always with a long‑term, relationship‑led mindset.

What you’ll be doing

• Own and implement the buying and supplier strategy for your region, ensuring it delivers against commercial, quality and customer objectives.
• Identify, develop and introduce new hotel partners and destination product that unlock commercial opportunity.
• Build and manage strong, long‑term partnerships with hotel suppliers – balancing commercial negotiation with trust and collaboration.
• Secure optimum commercial terms, delivered on time and fully aligned with our Health, Fire & Safety and legal requirements.
• Work closely with Yield Management to maximise profitability, using booking data, web analytics, competitor insight and inventory performance.
• Represent British Airways Holidays in a professional and confident manner, both in the UK and overseas.
• Lead and inspire your team, setting clear standards, direction and pace.

What you’ll bring

• A strong track record of buying, negotiation and commercial delivery within the travel industry. Experience with hotel connectivity an advantage.
• Proven experience of managing destination or product portfolios end‑to‑end.
• The drive and commercial instinct to spot opportunities, pursue them creatively, and maximise value for your region.
• Credibility and gravitas to negotiate at senior levels, while building lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• A collaborative leadership style that develops teams and brings stakeholders with you.
• Strong analytical capability, using data to inform decisions and shape commercial outcomes.
• Excellent influencing, problem‑solving and judgement skills in a fast‑paced, multi‑layered environment.
• A passion for quality, with a constant focus on standards, safety and brand reputation.
• Willingness to travel and represent the business internationally.
• A full UK driving licence and confidence driving abroad.
• The ability to work from our Crawley office at least two days a week.

Why British Airways Holidays?

You’ll be trusted to lead, empowered to decide, and supported by the strength, scale and stability of an iconic global brand. If you’re looking for a role where your expertise truly shapes outcomes — and where the partnerships you build today will define success for years to come — this is that opportunity.

What we can offer you

• 26 days holiday a year, increasing by one day for every two complete years’ service, to a maximum of 30 days — plus bank holidays. With the option to buy or sell 5 more.
• Unlimited standby and premium standby fares for you and your nominees (on the BA network and partner airlines) from day one.
• Holiday and flight discounts for you, friends, and family from day one.
• Flexible working hours.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Pension contributions (6% company / 3% employee).
• Private medical and dental cover with BUPA. Paid options to cover partner and children.
• Enhanced Primary and Co‑Parent Leave.
• Enjoy up to 20 days working in Europe a calendar year under our hybrid working policy.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric/ULEV car scheme.
• Ability to purchase Avios from salary at a discounted rate.
• Wellbeing and recognition programmes to support and celebrate you.

What Makes Us Special

You do! Our people bring the energy, the warmth, and the ideas that make British Airways Holidays extraordinary. As we grow, you’ll have the chance to grow too — with real opportunities to develop your skills and your career.

Diversity, equality & inclusion

Diversity, equality & inclusion are all important to us. We believe a diverse and inclusive workplace contributes to our sense of wellbeing and belonging, enabling us all to thrive professionally and personally.

• We aim to be inclusive – everyone feels valued and respected as an individual.
• We aim to ensure equality and equity – everyone treated fairly as individuals with recognition of unique differences.
• We aim to be diverse – with a mix of colleagues representing our community.

Closing date for applications is 1st February

Please note - we may close this vacancy early if we receive lots of applications or business priorities change.

Our offices are based in central Crawley and we offer hybrid working (within the UK only). Generally, this role works from our offices twice a week, with additional days as needed depending on meetings etc. Office days are coordinated so that colleagues in the same team are in the office together to collaborate in person. We usually support new colleagues in the office full time for the training period and you adopt our hybrid working model once you are fully ready.