Director Strategic Partnerships, OTA Distribution & Marketing - Hybrid AZ

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Join BWH Hotels – Where Passion Meets Purpose

At BWH® Hotels, we don't just offer employment opportunities, we create opportunities to be part of something extraordinary. As a global leader in hospitality for nearly 80 years, our vision is to inspire travel through unique experiences. Joining our corporate team means becoming part of a dynamic and inclusive community that values innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact in the travel industry.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, BWH Hotels boasts a powerful portfolio of 18 brands, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels®, with approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries. We take pride in our top-ranking employee engagement scores and foster a workplace culture where your contributions truly matter. Join us and be part of a team that's shaping the future of hospitality!

Job Purpose:

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships, you will lead driving innovation and operational excellence across global OTA partnerships while serving as a key contributor to the broader distribution strategy.

This role requires a forward-thinking leader who leverages industry data,  professional connections and AI-driven insights to optimize performance and proactively identify and action opportunities.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Marketing Owner Relations & Strategic Partnerships, you will play a critical role in shaping strategies that align with our business objectives across the BWH Hotels portfolio of brands worldwide.

The ideal candidate demonstrates adaptability in a fast-changing environment, takes ownership of key initiatives, strategies and leads with transparency and accountability. A strong understanding of the hospitality distribution landscape, combined with a proactive approach to knowledge acquisition and leadership, is essential.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Contribution

  • Oversee global OTA partners, ensuring alignment and successful collaboration to achieve business results.
  • Act as a primary contributor to overall distribution strategies across all channels, including OTAs, wholesalers, metasearch, and emerging platforms.
  • Build and nurture strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, proactively seeking opportunities for growth.
  • Negotiate strategies and contracts with partners while collaborating with internal stakeholders.
  • Conduct regular meetings (virtual and in-person) to maintain visibility and communicate status updates on key initiatives.
  • Leverage AI tools, industry data, and insights to monitor performance, identify trends, and optimize distribution strategies across the ecosystem, while proactively synthesizing and sharing these findings with key stakeholders to inform decisions and drive alignment.
  • Utilize professional connections and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions and uncover new opportunities.
  • Drive continuous improvement through innovation, technology, and process optimization for operational efficiency.
  • Proactively collaborate with hoteliers to ensure distribution success aligned with company goals.

Strategy, Problem Solving & Adaptability

  • Establish strategies and deliver results in a constantly evolving landscape with multiple layers of complexity.
  • Analyze complex distribution challenges and develop innovative, AI-informed solutions to yield efficiencies and measurable results.
  • Maintain agility to adapt quickly to market changes, partner needs, and internal priorities.
  • Proactively research and identify trends, ensuring timely communication and action plans.

Leadership & Escalation Management

  • Lead and mentor a dynamic direct and indirect team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Take proactive ownership of escalations, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication to stakeholders.
  • Provide proactive leadership to recognize and address opportunities and challenges before they escalate.
  • Create an environment that encourages professional growth, accountability, and risk-taking.
  • Foster productive global collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Experience:

  • 8+ years in hospitality distribution partnership management, business development, or related field.
  • Proven ability to lead major distribution partnerships and negotiations for successful outcomes.
  • Demonstrated success in managing partner contracts and delivering results.
  • Strong understanding of OTAs, wholesalers, metasearch, and global distribution strategies.
  • Experience leveraging AI, industry data, and professional networks for decision making and performance optimization.
  • Demonstrated experience leveraging AI-driven tools.
  • Ability to quickly gain knowledge of partnerships and distribution landscape.

Skills:

  • Strategic thinker with strong creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong presentation skills, simplifying complex information into actionable insights.
  • Proactive approach to leadership and escalation management.
  • Strong project management skills with ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickSight, Salesforce, and familiarity with AI-driven tools.
  • Financial acumen with accountability for budgeting and ROI.

Work Location and Schedule:

  • This is a hybrid position, requiring onsite presence Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our Headquarters location, with the option to work remote on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  This hybrid model fosters intentional collaboration, teamwork, connection, and productivity, while still providing flexibility and work life balance.  The office address is 6201 N 24th Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85016.
  • Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (Arizona Time); alternate work hours may be considered.

Travel

  • Willingness to travel for partnerships, collaboration, networking, and meetings as needed (up to 15%).

Working at BWH:

Welcome to BWH Hotels, where your passion for hospitality aligns with a purpose-driven mission. By joining our corporate team, you become part of a dynamic community focused on making a meaningful impact in the travel industry. At BWH Hotels, we are dedicated to inspiring travel through unique experiences. We uphold our core values: 

  • Integrity and Accountability: We prioritize honesty and take responsibility for our actions. 
  • Excellence in Service: We are committed to delivering the highest standards of service to our hotels and guests. 
  • Respect and Inclusivity: We foster a safe, respectful, and diverse work environment. 
  • Community Engagement: We actively contribute to the well-being of our global community and uphold human rights. 
  • Environmental Stewardship: We embrace sustainable practices to protect our planet. 

  

Apply today and join us in creating extraordinary travel experiences worldwide.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. 

Benefits Summary for Full-Time Employees  

· Medical/Dental/Vision available day one 

· Vacation/Sick- accruals start day one 

· Paid company holidays and personal holidays to celebrate what’s important to you  

· 401K - company contribution and match (U.S.) 

· Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) – company contribution and match (Canada) 

· Employee discounts/hotel discounts 

· Free financial and health wellness programs 

· Tuition Reimbursement 

Equal Employment Opportunity

BWH Hotels (the "Company") maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race (including hair textures and hair styles associated with race), color or pigmentation, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, caste, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ individuals, height, weight, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. The Company’s equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment with the Company, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, transfer, benefits, discipline, and termination.