Director, Distribution- Connectivity

As a member of the Distribution Strategy team, the Director, Distribution- Connectivity is a leadership role that will serve as a Connectivity subject matter expert; this candidate will work in partnership with the Senior Director, Global Connectivity and other Connectivity and key stakeholders across the organization.  This leader will provide guidance for strategic needs on how to grow partnerships through new and enhanced capabilities via Marriott’s transformation and technology architecture. They will execute evolving distribution strategies in the complex B2B and B2C intermediary segments while transitioning Marriott’s legacy platforms into new technological capabilities. This role will focus on enhancing 3rd party partnerships globally to support new strategies and best in class distribution for Marriott franchisees.    

The responsibilities of this role include overseeing implementation and execution of partner interfaces, enhancements, distribution initiatives, as well as escalation/resolution processes to ensure business objectives and operational service levels are met. This leader will also work very closely with the commercial account teams within the Global Sales and Distribution organizations to ensure Marriott’s distribution partners are connected and achieving business continuity. This role is also responsible for representing Distribution requirements for our technology transformation on behalf of 3rd party partners within the Americas region while also keeping in mind a frictionless customer experience, providing intuitive technology for associates, and positioning Marriott to pursue new emerging businesses.  

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience 

Required 

• 4-year bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major 

• 8+ years of experience in sales and marketing or a related professional area. 

Preferred 

• At least five years of relevant work experience managing complex projects and efforts to successful execution 

• Possess a strong understanding of third party distribution channels and core Marriott systems 

• Previous experience working with CRS systems, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and/or technology intermediaries 

• Experience working on teams with at least 1 direct report 

• Ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities, and obtain and compare information from different sources to draw conclusions and chooses a course of action 

• Previous exposure working within all levels of the organization  

• Background in 3rd party account management, managing partner expectations/needs/requirements 

• Strong understanding and capabilities utilizing Microsoft office suite, including excel and PowerPoint applications 

• Experience presenting and explaining new requirements/needs to leadership with comfort 

• Familiarity working with cross-functional stakeholders including sales, revenue management, and technology organizations 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES  

• Serves as Connectivity Subject Matter Expert (SME) for 3rd party distribution systems 

• Provides insights into distribution environment and make recommendations how to support strategic distribution initiatives 

• Acts as a consultant for key distribution partners to educate on best practices for implementing Marriott Distribution Programs 

• Works with key distribution partners to optimize and grow Marriotts presence and revenue 

• Manage expectations for the IT roadmap to implement new partner interfaces supporting Global and Continent Distribution Strategy 

• Manage pulling through core capabilities and enhancements to existing partner interfaces 

• Works with commercial teams to activate new partners while maintaining high standards of operational service levels 

• Work with Director Channel Operations & Support to monitor property and partner feedback, and manage escalation resolution process 

• Identify knowledge gaps and create a plan to educate key stake holders to better understand how distribution strategies are managed and executed in the region  

• Develops and sustains relationships based on an understanding of stakeholder needs working within a complex and ambiguous environment, ability to navigate decisions logically and maintain the best interest of the company 

• Uses an effective interpersonal style to build a cohesive team, inspires and sustains team cohesion and engagement by focusing the team on its mission and importance to the organization.   

• Sets high standards of performance for self and others. 

• Assumes responsibility and accountability for goals. 

Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders 

• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders. 

• Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work. 

• Determines priorities, schedules, plans and necessary resources to ensure completion of any projects on schedule. 

• Collaborates with internal partners and stakeholders to support business/initiative strategies 

• Communicates concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand. 

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc. 

• Demonstrates an understanding of business priorities. 

• Sets clear goals and expectations for direct reports using the performance review process and holds direct report(s) accountable for performance. 

• Leads specific team while assisting with meeting or exceeding department goals. 

• Translates broader organizational initiatives into relevant goals for direct report(s). 

• Creates and nurtures an environment that emphasizes motivation, empowerment, teamwork, and continuous improvement. 

• Facilitates regular, ongoing communication with direct report(s).