Japan | Contracting Manager (Japan)

Exotravel; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working style (Up to 3 days WFH per week)

Flexible working hours

AIG medical insurance

Transportation and retirement fund

Monthly company events

Job summary

A travel service company in Nebraska is looking for an experienced contracting manager to lead supplier negotiations and manage the contracting team. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Tourism and at least 3 years of experience in the tourism industry, with strong skills in Japanese and English. Responsibilities include securing high-quality services, managing contracts with suppliers and ensuring a smooth supply chain management. Competitive benefits and a hybrid work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in tourism, particularly in contracting.
• Business level Japanese with good command in writing and spoken language.
• Conversational level English.

Responsibilities

• Contract services, guides, and transportation for EXO Japan.
• Manage the contracting team and provide training.
• Analyze purchasing history to leverage cost during negotiations.
• Negotiate with suppliers for best rates and favorable terms.

Skills

Accurate, detail-oriented, responsible

Strong relationship builder and manager

Sales & Marketing acumen

Analytical thinking and pricing expertise

Independent decision-making and problem-solving ability

Leadership and training capabilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Tourism or related field

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

The responsibilities for this position include contracting for services, guides, transportation, hotels, and tickets on behalf of EXO Travel Japan, on a nationwide basis, as well as to manage the contracting team staff on a day-to-day basis. The main objective is to contract at the best possible costs, securing high quality services and availability (allotment, free sale capabilities, etc.), in order to maximize profitability through cost control, while increasing the company’s ability to secure rooms, space, tickets, etc. throughout the year, particularly during peak periods.

The Key Interface of this position will include but not limited to internal departments of Product Development, Information Systems, Database, Operations, Reservations, Inbound FIT/Group and GM. Additionally this position will also communicate with external suppliers.

Benefits

• Hybrid working style (Up to 3 days WFH per week)
• Flexible working hours (Core time 10:00 A.M to 4:00 PM)
• WFH Allowance (Based on company regulation)
• Company holidays (9 in 2025) in addition to national public holidays
• AIG medical insurance, transportation, retirement fund
• Monthly company events, company travel and more
• Female-friendly environment
• Strong career path
• An office consist over 36 different cultures

Responsibilities

• Act as the Japanese face of EXO for suppliers, supporting Product Development’s new destination initiatives by working closely with local suppliers or DMOs to develop initial itineraries.
• Analyze EXO Japan’s purchasing history to leverage volume, cost, and arrival data during negotiations.
• Assess supply chain adequacy and recommend expansion as needed.
• Contracting all types of suppliers, including but not limited to Hotels, Ryokans, Transportations such as Bus/Coach, Private Hire, Taxi, JR/Private Rail Tickets Guides (licensed and non-licensed) Meet & Greet Services Luggage Forwarders Tickets/Entrance Fees, Tours, and Experiences and etc.
• Ensure timely contracting with complete documentation, delivering the most advantageous terms.
• Comply with local laws and company policy.
• Provide training and direction to the contract staff team.
• Provide accurate pricing and contract information to the product team for database input.
• Train junior staff from Reservations, Operations, and Product Development as future contract managers.
• Create a guide strategy to strengthen relationships and raise EXO Japan’s standards across all segments.
• Provide monthly analysis of production by service and annual forecast, purchasing strategy of the year, live tactical pricing updates and regular updates with key suppliers.

Work with Suppliers

• Negotiate with suppliers for best rates, allotments, and favorable terms.
• Leverage EXO’s TL Lincoln channel manager to secure static and BAR rates.
• Push for tactical discounts in low seasons.
• Assist in resolving complaints and supplier issues.
• Maintain professional relationships with key suppliers.
• Produce accurate supplier usage reports with detailed analysis.

Work with Product Department

• Ensure correct suppliers are contracted and data is accurately uploaded.
• Coordinate with the Database Team to keep systems and filings up to date.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Tourism or related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in tourism (contracting experience preferred)
• Business level Japanese with good command in writing and spoken
• Conversational level English
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Analytical thinking and pricing expertise
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Skills

• Accurate, detail-oriented, responsible
• Strong relationship builder and manager
• Sales & Marketing acumen
• Analytical thinking and pricing expertise
• Independent decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Leadership and training capabilities

Note: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. You may perform other duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

To accomplish our mission of creating lasting positive impacts through travel, we start with our people. In addition to providing equitable compensation, we offer great benefits such as paid maternity leave, healthcare and opportunities to upskill.