Product & Contracting Officer

We are a well-established tour destination management company based in Nairobi, Kenya, seeking a dynamic and results-driven Product & Contracting Officer. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and contracting travel products and services, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring competitive pricing and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Product Management

• Design and develop tourism products, itineraries, and travel experiences.

• Identify new destinations, attractions, and experiences to enhance the product portfolio.

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis.

• Monitor product performance and recommend improvements.

• Maintain accurate product information in reservation and contracting systems.

• Coordinate with operations, sales, and marketing teams to launch new products.

• Assist in designing tour packages, excursions, hotel experiences, and travel products.

• Coordinate product pricing, costing, and profitability analysis.

• Ensure the website is always fully updated.

Contracting and Data Update

• Negotiate rates, allocations, and commercial agreements with hotels, transport companies, guides, restaurants, and activity providers.

• Secure annual and seasonal contracts.

• Review contract terms and ensure compliance with company policies.

• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and partners.

• Resolve supplier-related issues and disputes.

• Monitor contract expiry dates and renewals.

• Design and upload hotel and safari package rates on the website.

Revenue Management

• Ensure competitive pricing and maximize margins.

• Analyze supplier costs and market trends.

• Prepare pricing sheets and rate updates.

• Support budgeting and forecasting activities.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality.

Product Knowledge

• Stay updated on destination developments, tourism trends, and competitor offerings.

• Conduct supplier visits and destination inspections.

• Attend trade shows, workshops, and industry events.

Reporting

• Prepare weekly and monthly sales and product performance reports.

• Maintain accurate customer databases and sales records.

• Monitor sales pipelines and follow up on leads.

• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue analysis.

• Ensure proper filing of contracts, supplier agreements, and operational documents.

• Track KPIs related to product sales, margins, and supplier agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

• Professional certifications in tourism or hospitality are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in DMC, tour operations, hospitality contracting, or travel product management in a product development department.

• Experience negotiating hotel and supplier contracts.

• Knowledge of destination management and travel operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

• Commercial and financial acumen.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and travel management systems.

• Previous experience with Tour Plan systems.

• Attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Contracted supplier coverage and availability.

• Gross margin achievement.

• Cost savings from negotiations.

• Product profitability.

• Supplier satisfaction and retention.

• Timely contract renewal.

• Accuracy of product and pricing information.

• Growth in sales of contracted products.