Team Lead - Activities Contracting (Travel, OTA, MICE Domain)

Role Overview

Team Leader – Activities Contracting

The incumbent will lead a small team of executives, monitor performance, and collaborate closely with product, operations, and sales teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective activities for our customers.

Key Responsibilities

Contracting & Negotiation

• Source, evaluate, and contract activities, sightseeing tours, and experiences across multiple domestic destinations.
• Negotiate competitive rates, favorable terms, and value-added inclusions with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, SLAs, and contracting SOPs.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive collaboration and priority support.
• Regularly review supplier performance, quality, and customer feedback.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and escalate when necessary.

Product Development

• Curate unique and innovative activities to enhance the domestic holiday product portfolio.
• Benchmark competitors and market trends to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Work closely with product teams to package activities into itineraries and fixed packages.

Team Management

• Lead, guide, and train a team of executives to achieve contracting targets.
• Monitor team productivity, ensure adherence to SOPs, and provide performance feedback.
• Allocate destinations/regions to the team for effective coverage.

Commercial & Operational Support

• Coordinate with operations for seamless execution of contracted services.
• Support sales with rate sheets, activity details, and destination updates.
• Ensure timely uploading and maintenance of contracted rates in the system.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Indian domestic tourism destinations and activities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Analytical mindset with commercial acumen.
• Proficiency in MS Office and travel-tech platforms/CRS.

Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate/Postgraduate in Tourism, Hospitality, or Business Management.
• 5–7 years of experience in activities/land services contracting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or TL role. (Mandatory)
• Prior experience in a DMC/OTA/Travel Company focusing on domestic destinations preferred.
• Proven track record in supplier contracting and negotiations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of activities contracted across destinations.
• Competitiveness of contracted rates vs. market benchmarks.
• Onboarding of new/unique experiences.
• Supplier satisfaction and performance metrics.
• Team performance and achievement of targets.
• Timely rate uploads and accuracy of contracting data.

Services by ETM

• Travel Booking Assistance
• (Domestic & International).
• Flight Ticket Booking
• (Group & Individual.)
• Customized package tours
• Transport arrangement
• (Road & water)
• Adventure & Leisure activities
• Destination Marketing
• B2B supply (Travel Services)
• Experimental tours & programs
• MICE
• Medical tourism
• Corporate Travel arrangements
• Sustainable development projects
• Local stakeholders
• Development programs
• Community development Initiatives
• Hotel acquisitions & merging
• Hospitality consultants