Ensemble Travel Group is a leading travel agency consortium of top-tier agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada that was established in 1968. Acquired by Navigatr Group in June 2022, Ensemble provides members with access to exclusive offers, unique hosted tours, partnerships and superior marketing opportunities with best-in-class suppliers, and proprietary travel platforms such as ADX that offers agents instant commission visibility, one click insurance and more to improve efficiencies and earnings.  Ensemble maintains offices in Toronto and New York.

Reporting to the President, the VP, DMC role is responsible for executing the procurement strategy while negotiating and procuring contracts and services that meet quality requirements and specifications with the most favourable terms for the company. They will also be responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with a portfolio of key DMCs and suppliers. This key position will work closely with the Senior Vice President, Supplier Relations to oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and cross-functional teams on procurement initiatives.

• Negotiate global service agreements and maintain contract files. Negotiate cost savings, cost avoidance, contracting of value-adds consistent with business targets.
• Ensure all suppliers meet key brand standards and contract requirements such as amenities, payment, and cancellation terms, liability insurance, and co-op agreements.
• Plan, organize, direct, and control the complete procurement cycle from prospecting through the RFP processes, delivering profitable contracts with new and existing vendor partners and ongoing evaluation of rates, services, and delivery.
• Regularly evaluate and re-negotiate existing contract agreements to ensure maximum profitability and override potential.
• Constant research and evaluation of numerous target partners.
• Manage service level agreements, scope of work, and contract terms with service providers.
• Own and lead business results meetings with vendors and the business to ensure a comprehensive review of results and action items.
• Present Ensemble’s unique offering and value proposition to potential partners, be persistent in developing partnership arrangements on favourable contract terms.
• Review contracts and concisely summarize key terms and red flags prior to signature.
• Update and maintain internal tracking of supplier information, content, and contract terms.
• Participate in the Service Level Agreement process (quarterly reviews, scorecard management, complaints tracking and resolution) to address vendor issues in a timely fashion, ensure exceptional quality and operational expectations and in leveraging for rate negotiation.
• Act as the lead facilitator with marketing, product, vendors, and other cross-functional teams to conduct product reviews, support the implementation of new product and go-to market strategies.
• Prepare and present department reports for leadership and required stakeholders on a regular basis that track; +/- spend with vendors (COGS), KPI indicators, market conditions, rate increase/decreases from vendors, quality issues, insights and opportunities and descriptions with supporting analysis.
• Effectively coordinate with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure accomplishment of shared business objectives promoting a collaborative team environment.
• Cultivate and lead a team of procurement experts, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, KPIs and success markers.

• Minimum of 5+ years procurement, buyer or contract management experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder company. Travel industry experience preferred.
• Experience with a global purchasing model and luxury services/product an asset.
• Advanced negotiation skills – able to deliver results while maintaining supplier engagement.
• Proven ability to work through conflict, build trust, generate respect, and influence outcomes through outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills at all levels within the organization and with suppliers.
• Superior time management skills - able to work in a fast paced, changing environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
• Analytical mind set with ability to digest and communicate quantitative reports across multiple data sets.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technologies.
• Upbeat personality, a hands-on team player and self-starter who can work in lean environment with autonomy.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and an ability to communicate at all levels, both internally and externally with polish and professionalism.
• Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Thrives working in a technology and KPI driven organization.
• Able to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Highly functional in a fast paced, constantly changing workplace - building plans through iterations from learning on what’s working and not working.
• Ability to build trust and work through conflict both upwards and downward.

We know that our success is dependent on the people who join our team, which is why we recruit the best. Our team is made up of owners; people who are smart, low ego, and who are accountable for their results.  We all play a part in the success of the company and are proud of what we do.

We thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.