Director, Travel Product & Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Pay: From $180,000.00 per year

Job description:

The Director, Travel Products & Operations (Americas) is responsible for leading the strategic direction, delivery, and ongoing optimization of Aspire's travel products and services across the Americas region. This role serves as the primary representative of the Global Travel organization within the Americas and is accountable for product management, client implementations, operational excellence, research and analysis, and team leadership.

This individual will oversee multiple functions, including Product Management, Client Implementation, and Travel Research & Analysis, ensuring that travel solutions meet client expectations, support business growth, and deliver exceptional traveler experiences. The role requires strong travel industry expertise, technical aptitude, and proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a complex travel technology environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Travel Product Strategy & Management:

• Define and execute the travel product roadmap for the Americas region in alignment with global strategy.
• Identify opportunities to enhance travel booking, servicing, content, and customer experience capabilities.
• Partner with technology, operations, suppliers, and client stakeholders to prioritize product enhancements and innovation initiatives.
• Lead product lifecycle management from concept and requirements through implementation and post-launch optimization.
• Evaluate emerging travel technologies, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to maintain market competitiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance.

Travel Client Management & Solution Leadership:

• Serve as the senior travel subject matter expert (SME) for assigned clients, providing strategic guidance on travel products, travel technology, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices.
• Partner with clients' travel stakeholders to understand evolving business needs and identify opportunities for new travel functionality, enhancements, and service improvements.
• Collaborate with Product, Technology, Operations, and Supplier teams to define, prioritize, and deliver client-specific travel initiatives and enhancements.
• Represent the travel organization in client discussions related to travel strategy, product capabilities, supplier solutions, and travel technology roadmaps.
• Oversee the successful implementation of new travel clients and significant travel program enhancements.
• Provide leadership and governance for travel implementations, ensuring successful delivery of travel-related products, services, and technology solutions.
• Direct and support Implementation Managers responsible for travel client onboarding, migrations, and major travel enhancements.
• Serve as the executive escalation point for complex travel-related issues, implementation challenges, and strategic travel initiatives.
• Act as the lead travel SME during client RFPs, RFIs, business reviews, and solution design sessions.
• Develop and present travel solution recommendations that align client requirements with Aspire's travel capabilities and roadmap.
• Lead the travel-content portions of proposals, presentations, and client pursuits, working closely with Sales and Account Management teams.
• Participate in Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) as the travel representative, presenting travel performance, supplier strategies, product enhancements, operational trends, and future travel initiatives.
• Partner with Client Account Management teams to ensure travel objectives, priorities, risks, and opportunities are appropriately represented and addressed.
• Serve as the voice of the travel client within the organization, ensuring travel-related needs are incorporated into product planning, technology development, and operational improvements.

Regional Travel Leadership:

• Represent the Global Travel organization throughout the Americas region.
• Act as a key liaison between regional teams and global travel leadership.
• Ensure regional priorities are aligned with global strategic objectives

Team Leadership & Development:

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing teams across Product Management, Implementation, and Research & Analysis.
• Establish clear performance expectations and development plans for direct reports.
• Drive accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop organizational structures and resource plans that support business growth.
• Promote a culture of customer focus, operational excellence, and data-driven decision making.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies :

• Strong knowledge of travel distribution and fulfillment processes.
• Experience working with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), including Sabre, Amadeus, or Travelport.
• Understanding of airline, hotel, car rental, and ancillary travel products.
• Knowledge of online booking tools, travel technology platforms, supplier connectivity, APIs, and travel operations.
• Familiarity with travel servicing, issue management, and operational support environments.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to work effectively with engineering and technology teams.
• Experience with software development lifecycles, Agile methodologies, and product delivery processes.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technology solutions.
• Experience using reporting, analytics, and operational performance tools.
• Understanding of integrations, APIs, workflows, and travel technology ecosystems.
• Would be the main voice for North America client travel needs
• Ability to present at client quarterly business reviews in a polished and professional manner
• Supporting SVPs in prospect and client RFPs
• Ability to Work with travel suppliers where needed and develop solutions
• Strong Leadership Competencies, including but not limited to: Strategic thinking, Executive communication, Cross functional collaboration, Team development and Coaching

Work Experience & Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in the travel industry.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional organizations.
• Strong experience in travel product management, travel technology, or travel operations leadership roles.
• Bachelor degree required; MBA or Master’s Degree is a plus
• Experience leading client implementations, onboarding programs, or large-scale travel technology deployments.
• Proven success managing multiple teams and complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience working with global organizations and geographically distributed teams

Language Requirements :

• Ability to communicate in English (verbally and written) in a polished and professional manner is required.

Travel, Schedule & Availability :

• This position may require travel up to 25%.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements (Brief description of office set up needs and physical requirements required to perform this job)

• This remote position requires a private workspace suitable for handling confidential client information and reliable internet connectivity meeting company technical standards. The role involves extended computer and telephone-based work, with reasonable accommodations available in accordance with applicable law.
• Must be ability to sit and remain at a desk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day) while operating a computer and telephone headset.
• Must have reliable high-speed uninterrupted internet connection meeting minimum company standards.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Clear, polished and professional verbal & written communication and active listening skills to effectively interact with clients and team members.
• May occasionally require walking, standing, or light lifting (up to 10 pounds) of equipment such as a laptop or office supplies.

Benefits:

• Dental, Medical, Vision, PTO, RRSP Match

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• Travel Industry: 10 years (required)

Work Location: Remote

Aspire Lifestyles is committed to ensuring accessibility for all persons with a disability and to providing excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Aspire Lifestyles Services Limited is a leader in premium customer service solutions. We specialize in delivering exceptional experiences to Ultra High Net Worth clients around the globe.

Company Description

Aspire Lifestyles Services Limited is a leader in premium customer service solutions. We specialize in delivering exceptional experiences to Ultra High Net Worth clients around the globe.