Head, Travel Rewards

The AIR MILES Reward Program is one of Canada's most recognized loyalty programs, with over 10 million active collector accounts, representing more than half of all Canadian households. AIR MILES collectors earn Reward Miles at more than 300 leading Canadian, global and online brands and at thousands of retail and service locations across the country. AIR MILES is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank of Montreal (BMO). BMO is Canada's oldest bank and the 8th largest in North America with more than 12 million customers globally.This role has the accountability for leading a team who defines and delivers the overall strategy and direction for the Travel Rewards portfolio, ensuring the company curates relevant and valuable travel experiences for our roughly ten million Collector accounts. This includes negotiating agreements with global partners, pricing and promotion strategies, and online merchandising to deliver a seamless and intuitive digital experience. Optimization of Flight, Car, Hotel, Package Vacation, Cruise should result in enhanced Collector engagement in the program (earn) while delivering the financial objectives.The successful candidate will bring deep experience in the travel industry, strong relationship management skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for designing and delivering innovative digital consumer experiences. This team shall focus upon account management, marketing, and product development.Additional Responsibilities Include:Design and deliver the 18-month to 24-month Travel Rewards forecast, including product strategy promotional and marketing activities, and Rewards product roadmap, all with the intent to maximize Collector value while delivering issuance and redemption financial targets. Senior leadership across all travel Partners, including sourcing, negotiating, and quarterly business reviews with key clients, ensuring we are delivering value to both the partner as well as the Collector.Collaborate with senior leaders across the AIR MILES business to support the design of the Rewards experience, including identification of cross-Sponsor / Rewards value creation opportunities. This includes co-branded credit card teams, UX (User Experience), Brand Marketing and others.Financial tracking and performance management, working closely with Analytics and Finance to ensure we deliver Program performance and financial targets (issuance and redemption).Attract, coach, and retain Travel Rewards team through ongoing and regular coaching and development.Specialized Skill & Knowledge Requirements:Minimum of 15 years of directly related work experience in the Travel industry.10 years of Supervisory experience required.Strong Financial acumenDigital / ecommerce / online travel experience preferred.Travel experience is required, including sourcing, client management and contract negotiations.Ability to demonstrate a strategic and collaborative approach to problem solving, including designing business strategies in 1 - 3-year timeline.Executive level presentation skills, ability to influence executives & senior leadership. Travel Arrangements,Marketing Services