Distribution Account Manager

IHG Hotels & Resorts; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Paid time off

Health/dental/vision insurance

401K

Job summary

IHG Hotels & Resorts is seeking a Distribution Account Manager to oversee day-to-day management of distribution partners across the AMER region, from contracting to operational and commercial execution. You will own onboarding, data integrity in Merlin, KPI monitoring, and cross-functional coordination to drive value for hotels.

The role includes new business development and connectivity with OTAs and tour operators.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive work experience as a Product Manager.
• Experience leading partner integration initiatives, testing APIs, and working with XML/JSON messaging.
• Strong analytical, project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Distribution owner for assigned partners and be the main contact for account management.
• Support regular account reviews (MBRs and QBRs) with partners and internal stakeholders.
• Address partner questions, issues and opportunities; drive new business development.
• Lead or support contracting and contract renewals within Distribution guardrails.
• Oversee onboarding, setup and maintenance across Distribution systems; maintain Merlin data.
• Coordinate with tech teams for connectivity, and ensure rate parity and compliance.

Skills

Product management

Stakeholder communication

API testing

XML/JSON messaging

Analytical skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Merlin system

Job description

Job Summary

The Distribution Account Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned distribution partners across the AMER region. This role serves as the primary owner of distribution relationships from contracting through operational and commercial execution, ensuring partners are correctly onboarded, configured, and operating in line with IHG standards while delivering value to hotels. The role owns the ongoing health, performance, and governance of OTA and distribution partners by monitoring KPIs, supporting regular business reviews, resolving operational and compliance issues, and coordinating cross-functionally to drive sustainable results for hotels. The role will also focus on business development, to support the region, and establish new opportunities and connectivity with OTAs and Tour Operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Distribution owner for assigned partners, acting as the central point of contact for account management activities
• Support and participate in regular account reviews, including MBRs and QBRs, with partners and internal stakeholders
• Support regional and commercial teams by addressing partner-related questions, issues, and opportunities
• New business development
• Partner with the Commercial organization to align account enablement and identify high-value opportunities

Contracting and Commercial Governance

• Lead or support partner contracting and contract renewals within defined Distribution guardrails
• Ensure partner contracts align with IHG distribution standards, onward distribution principles, and rate parity requirements

Operational Management and Execution

• Own partner onboarding, setup, and ongoing maintenance across Distribution systems and tools
• Manage and maintain accurate partner information in Merlin, ensuring ongoing data integrity
• Support the onboarding and integration of new brands into partner portfolios

Connectivity and Channel Support

• Act as the first point of escalation for partner connectivity and channel support issues
• Coordinate with internal technical teams and external connectivity providers to resolve issues efficiently
• Rate Parity and Compliance Support

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive work-related experience as a Product Manager or Sr. Product Manager with demonstrated proficiency in one or multiple disciplines/technologies/processes related to the position including product and/or project management, travel technology systems (GDS, OTAs, PMS and other distribution technology), or vendor relationship management.

Skills & Technical Experience

• Experience leading medium-to-large partner integration initiatives, including requirements gathering, stakeholder communication, change management, and delivery, with hands-on experience testing APIs and working with XML/JSON messaging.
• Proven success operating as a Product Manager in modern, cross-functional software environments, overseeing multiple products and collaborating effectively with engineering, design, and business stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills, including the ability to define product goals and success metrics, provide in-depth technical analysis and feedback to engineering and leadership, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly within complex travel distribution ecosystems.

Location - Our hybrid work structure is an expectation of three (3) days a week in office. This expectation may be adjusted to evolve with the changing need of the business. The salary range for this role is $94,300 to $118,000. This role is also elegible for bonus pay. We offer a comprehensive package of benefit including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.