Head of Supply

Hotelplan Management AG; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel organization based in Farnborough seeks a Head of Supply to manage its global supply network. The successful candidate will oversee supplier relationships and lead technological integrations to ensure operational excellence. Candidates should possess significant experience in the travel industry, particularly in managing supplier networks and travel technology. The role offers a hybrid working model, focusing on work-life balance and team collaboration, within a purpose-driven business dedicated to sustainable travel.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Free parking

Work-life balance emphasis

Qualifications

• Experience in supply and systems within the travel industry.
• Proven leadership managing large supplier networks and complex integrations.
• Experience in driving automation and system improvements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the global supply network supporting travel operations.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply strategy.
• Analyze market trends to identify new sourcing opportunities.

Skills

Leadership in supplier management

Strong understanding of travel technology

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Collaboration

Tools

GDS

APIs

Reservation systems

Job description

The great outdoors is our happy place and it’s open all year round. Ski the slopes, walk the walks and explore the Lapland wilderness. If nature’s in your nature… if you’re itching for adventure - you’ve found your people. We are united by our shared passion for our exceptional brands - Inghams and Santa's Lapland. Driven by a strong sense of purpose, staying true to our commitment to our people and planet.

If you're looking for a career that's not just a job but a fulfilling adventure, we welcome you to explore opportunities with us. Join our team and be part of a dynamic, purpose-driven business dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Join us on our journey, creating extraordinary travel experiences for all.

Our vision is to be the most loved travel company in our markets, famous for customer experience and sustainable travel.

We put people at the heart of everything we do and are proud of the extensive benefits we offer.

This role is based in Farnborough, Hampshire with 2 days per week in the office. Our office is within walking distance of the train station and has free parking. This is a full-time position, however work life balance is important to us and so we are open to discussion on flexible working patterns (minimum 4 days per week).

About the role:

As Head of Supply, you will oversee our global supply network that underpins our travel operations. You’ll lead the integration of commercial strategy, supplier management, and technology to ensure our platforms, partnerships, and processes deliver seamless connectivity, scalability, and commercial success. You will shape the strategic direction of our supply, driving innovation, automation, and data-led decision-making across the business. This role requires a leader who combines commercial acumen, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of travel and connectivity. Key areas:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply strategy to ensure optimal product mix, pricing, and availability across destinations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, including airlines, hotels, DMCs, transportation providers, and activity partners.
• Analyse market trends and competitor offerings to identify new sourcing opportunities.
• Monitor supplier performance through data-driven KPIs and service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Oversee all supply-related technology platforms, including contracting, reservation, and distribution systems, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and fit for purpose.
• Lead the development, integration, and optimisation of third-party connectivity with bed banks, channel managers, and GDS partners.
• Collaborate with Product, Purchasing and Commercial teams to improve automation, streamline workflows, and ensure seamless end-to-end booking and data flows.
• Manage relationships with technology providers and distribution partners, ensuring service levels, uptime, and commercial benefits are achieved.
• Identify and drive system enhancements and connectivity improvements to support future growth and digital transformation.
• Lead and mentor teams in supply, loading and connectivity.
• Represent the company in key industry partnerships, conferences, and negotiations.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools to track supply performance and profitability.
• Regularly report insights and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions.

Am I the right person? We are looking for your application to demonstrate:

• Experience in supply, systems, or commercial operations within the travel industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing large supplier networks and complex system integrations.
• Strong understanding of travel technology, including GDS, APIs, bed banks, channel managers, and reservation systems.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
• Experience driving automation, connectivity, and system improvements across multiple markets.
• Commercially minded with a strategic approach to supplier and system performance.
• Highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and capable of leading through influence across multiple teams and geographies.
• Strong experience to build, mentor, and inspire teams to achieve outstanding results. Developing talent, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Sustainability and responsible tourism is at our core and our values will be close to your heart.

Diversity is to be celebrated. Life would be dreary, and change would be slow, if we all thought the same way. We challenge our ideas, each other, and our business partners - always with respect and kindness.

Inghams & Santa's Lapland are apart of Hotelplan Group, a well-established and diverse family of specialist tour operators, with a long tradition of developing and operating market-leading experiences. The family comprises ski and walking holidays with Inghams and Santa’s Lapland; adventure travel with Explore Worldwide; and self-guided experts, Inntravel.