Senior Hotel & DMC Contracting Manager (Europe & Asia)

About Experience Co. (ExCo) Experience Co. is an experiential brand that curates & produces some of India’s most happening travel IPs—from creative residencies to festivals & adventures—for artists, creators, founders, leaders, and misfits. We operate across 20+ countries , nurturing a diverse community of 5,000+ travelers who’ve participated in our life-altering experiences. We’re bootstrapped, profitable , and run by a passionate team with 100+ years of combined expertise in delivering experiential events worldwide. Our culture is down-to-earth, hard-working , and rooted in compassion. With our no a-holes policy, we ensure everyone supports each other. Integrity underpins everything we do; we strive to build a company that makes us genuinely proud. What You’ll Find Here • A high-performance, high-conviction, and humble culture that values teamwork over ego, clarity over corporate jargon, and autonomy over conformity. • A high-growth, mid-stage startup with proven market fit across multiple global markets—scaling every year through meaningful travel experiences and a thriving community. • A collaborative, ambitious, and innovative team on a mission to spark one-of-a-kind life collisions and epiphanies through the power of travel and shared experiences. The Role: Hotel & DMC Contracting (Europe & Asia) We’re looking for an individual to drive hotel and DMC (Destination Management Company) contracting in key European and Asian markets. You’ll ensure that Experience Co. has the right partners and best commercial terms in place to design and deliver unforgettable trips worldwide. From sourcing and evaluating new hotel and DMC partners to negotiating contracts and maintaining strong commercial relationships , you’ll be at the forefront of our supplier strategy in these pivotal regions. Where You’ll Spend Your Time 1. Owning and Maintaining Supplier Relationships • Nurture and manage relationships with hotels and DMCs across Europe and Asia to secure favorable commercial agreements. • Ensure ExCo is positioned competitively in pricing and allocations, while meeting all compliance and service standards. 2. Sourcing & Evaluating New Partners • Identify, assess, and onboard new hotels and DMCs that align with ExCo’s brand quality and business roadmap. • Conduct thorough due diligence, focusing on both financial/commercial viability and the ability to deliver exceptional experiences. 3. Negotiating Contracts & Commercial Terms • Lead contract discussions to secure best-in-class rates , allocations, and terms that optimize profitability. • Manage retendering or cross-costing processes to maintain consistently high value and quality for our travelers. 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Coordinate closely with internal teams (Commercial Product, DMC Account Management, Operations, Finance, etc.) to ensure robust allocation and effective partner management. • Monitor the performance of hotels and DMCs, providing insights on quality, cost, and alignment with our commercial goals. 5. Data-Driven Decision Making • Use analytical tools to track key metrics (e.g., cost-per-guest, occupancy rates, portfolio performance) and guide decision-making on supplier relationships. • Recommend improvements and strategic changes based on data insights to strengthen partnerships and commercial outcomes. 6. Networking & Market Intelligence • Attend trade shows, industry events, and networking forums to stay current with market trends, competitor offerings, and emerging opportunities. • Build a robust global network and represent ExCo’s culture, fostering long-term partnerships. What We’d Love to See from You • Proven Experience : Demonstrated success in contracting with hotels and/or DMCs, ideally on an international scale (particularly Europe and Asia). • Negotiation & Influencing Skills : Ability to secure favorable rates and terms; proven track record of driving cost efficiencies without compromising quality. • Commercial & Legal Acumen : Familiarity with the contracting process , compliance standards, and best practices in partner engagement. • Sourcing & Evaluation : Skilled at identifying, vetting, and onboarding new suppliers using data-driven selection processes. • Financial Literacy & Analytical Thinking : Comfortable with budgeting , forecasting , and analyzing commercial performance to inform strategic decisions. • Project Management : Capable of juggling multiple priorities, delivering projects on time, and maintaining high standards of partner satisfaction. • Remote Collaboration : Experience working with international partners across varied time zones; additional languages (especially European or Asian) are a plus. Don’t worry if you don’t meet every single requirement—if you have the ambition and curiosity, we’d still love to hear from you! Logistics and Interview Process 1. Initial Chat – A 30-minute call with our talent team to check mutual fit. 2. Hiring Manager Interview – A 45-minute session for a deeper dive into your experience and the role specifics. 3. Case Study & Presentation – A 60-minute scenario-based exercise with the hiring manager and a key stakeholder to evaluate problem-solving and strategic thinking. 4. Culture & Ways of Working Interview – A 30-minute conversation to ensure alignment with ExCo’s culture and values. Some roles may include extra steps, and we’ll keep you informed throughout. Why Join ExCo?• Impact : Help shape transformative travel experiences in over 20 countries, collaborating with top-tier suppliers. • Purpose-Driven Work : Be part of an organization that fosters life-changing journeys and a community of explorers, artists, and innovators. • Team Vibe : Work with a humble, supportive, and high-performing group that values integrity and personal growth. • Growth : Enjoy the autonomy to drive your own initiatives while making a tangible impact in a profitable, fast-scaling startup.