Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships - EMEA & LATAM

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships - EMEA & LATAM

🔹 Company: KAYAK

🔹 Location: Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Not Specified

🔹 Date Posted: Wed Apr 02 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Commercial Partnerships team in the EMEA and LATAM regions.
• Managing strategic partnerships with key players in the travel industry including OTAs, Airlines, Hotels, and Car rental agencies.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams such as Product, Marketing, and Engineering.
• Shaping the commercial roadmap with market insights from the regions.

ASSUMPTION: Since the "Category" is not specified, we assume the job aligns largely with business development and strategic partnerships within the travel or technology industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Set and deliver commercial strategy and revenue targets for EMEA and LATAM.

✅ Build, negotiate, and scale business relationships with partners.

✅ Collaborate with Senior Director, Ad Sales to identify new revenue opportunities.

✅ Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Product, and Engineering teams.

✅ Monitor competitive landscape and provide superior content strategies.

✅ Influence regional marketing, product, and engineering initiatives.

✅ Represent the region in global forums, providing market insights.

ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities encompass a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on management, suggesting a dual-focus role.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but likely requires a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Experience: 15+ years in commercial functions, preferably in online travel.

Required Skills:

• Commercial Strategy
• Contract Negotiation
• Relationship Management

Preferred Skills:

• Innovation in Travel Technology
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership

ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority of the position, an MBA or similar advanced degree might be highly regarded but not essential.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified. Compensation likely competitive and commensurate with experience for senior roles within the industry.

Benefits:

• 20 days remote work per year
• Mental health and well-being resources
• Paid parental leave
• Five weeks paid vacation
• Travel Discounts and other perks

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week with some remote flexibility

ASSUMPTION: Benefits indicate a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Technology, Information and Internet, specializing in travel search.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, suggesting a global reach with various career pathways.

Founded: 2004

Company Description:

• KAYAK is a leading travel search engine, part of Booking Holdings.
• Innovates with tools like KAYAK Trips, Price Forecast, and mobile apps.
• Operates in over 70 countries and territories.

Company Specialties:

• Travel Tools
• Global Travel Metasearch
• A.I. Innovations

Company Website: http://www.kayak.com

ASSUMPTION: The strong backing by Booking Holdings offers resilience and extensive market penetration, which benefits employees through stability and growth opportunities.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level position, typically involves complex decision-making and leadership roles.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to high-ranking executives such as regional VPs or C-suite.

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site with occasional remote flexibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Global VP role.
• Opportunities to influence global strategic direction.
• Access to leadership development programs.

ASSUMPTION: With KAYAK's emphasis on innovation, employees in this role may experience more latitude in piloting new business models.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office with digital connectivity essential for collaboration across multiple regions.

Office Location(s): Zürich, Switzerland

Geographic Context:

• Zürich is a global financial and cultural hub offering diverse activities.
• High standard of living with excellent public transport.
• Multi-lingual environment well-suited for international companies.

Work Schedule: Standard weekly hours, potential need for flexibility based on regional time zones.

ASSUMPTION: As a central European hub, Zürich offers strategic advantages for managing EMEA and LATAM regions from a centralized location.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial screening by HR
• Technical and strategic interviews
• Final interview with executive team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and vision
• Negotiation and relationship management skills
• Commercial acumen specific to travel sectors

Application Tips:

• Highlight achievements in commercial strategy and global partnerships.
• Demonstrate cultural adaptability and cross-functional collaboration.
• Prepare examples of innovative problem-solving in travel or technology.

ATS Keywords: Commercial Strategy, Relationship Management, Revenue Generation, Cultural Intelligence

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should emphasize experiences that align with international and strategic commercial leadership.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM and Partner Management Software
• Data Analysis Tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel)
• Travel Technology Platforms

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the latest CRM and data analysis tools could be advantageous for this role, given its partnership and revenue focus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation and Resilience
• Customer-Centric Approach
• Inclusivity and Diversity

Work Style:

• Flexible and dynamic
• Collaborative and inclusive
• Result-oriented with a focus on impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Can you navigate diverse cultural environments effectively?
• Are you capable of strategic thinking while managing complex partnerships?
• How do you approach innovation in a fast-paced industry like travel?

ASSUMPTION: A cultural fit requires adaptability and a proactive mindset given the dynamic nature of the travel tech industry.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing time zones across EMEA and LATAM regions
• Balancing strategic initiatives with daily operations
• Keeping pace with rapid technological and market changes
• Navigating complex stakeholder dynamics

ASSUMPTION: Challenges may arise from the need to adapt quickly to the nuances of multiple markets while maintaining strategic alignment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Roles in similar-sized global companies often offer broader geographic oversight.
• Strategic senior director roles tend to offer similar compensation packages.
• Such roles in technology companies may emphasize digital transformation skills.

ASSUMPTION: The competitive landscape for this role requires a blend of commercial expertise and technological savvy.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a new partnership model with a major airline to optimize synergies.
• Leading a cross-divisional team to launch a novel travel search feature.
• Piloting a market entry strategy in a new LATAM country.

ASSUMPTION: Project examples reflect typical initiatives led by someone in this senior director capacity.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does KAYAK stay competitive in the rapidly evolving travel industry?
• Can you describe the collaboration style across regions and departments?
• What metrics will define success for this role?
• How does KAYAK adapt to cultural differences across EMEA & LATAM?
• What future innovations are planned that this role will influence?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help uncover strategic priorities and cultural dynamics relevant to this high-level role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Prepare responses to showcase your expertise in travel commercial strategies.
• Ensure your CV highlights relevant global partnership experiences.
• Research KAYAK's recent innovations and strategic announcements.
• Reach out to current employees for an insider perspective on culture.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.