The Head of Distribution is responsible for the joint development and execution of the Hard Rock distribution strategy, contributing to maximized hotel topline revenue. The Head of Distribution oversees strategies and efforts to distribute rates, content, and inventory in all booking channels (CRS, GDS, PMS, Wholesale, OTA's, Hard Rock Booking Engines, and CRO). This role will work closely with stakeholders including Revenue Management, Loyalty, Sales, Field Marketing, Operations, Corporate Marketing, IT, Finance, eCommerce in addition to the strong external partnerships to support and optimize our distribution strategies. You will be the key driver of the distribution vision with cross-functional key partner groups within the organization. This position will identify business risks and opportunities, you will make critical, data driven decisions and have the ability to push distribution initiatives from ideation through to execution in a highly collaborative fashion.

• Excellent personal management skills; time management, meeting deadlines, effective communication and presentations skills.
• In conjunction with the Revenue Managers for each unique property managed by SHRSS - Create, communicate, and execute a well-defined online distribution strategy and roadmap with clear critical metric objectives.
• Ensure the successful integration of OTA/Wholesale/Third Party channel initiatives into broader commercial focus strategies.
• Contribute to the development and execution of a distribution technology strategy in collaboration with Information Technology (IT) and other distribution functions, facilitate the Channel Manager mapping for hotels, ensuring rates and inventory are feeding back to our system.
• Work closely with industry partners and suppliers to provide training for their connection to us and serve as point of contact for any connection related issues.
• Work closely with the Contracting Operations team on connectivity issues to provide holistic support to our wholesale, OTA and GDS partners.
• Along with IT, Coordinating role for all connectivity troubleshooting activities to resolve connectivity related queries/cases coming from hotel partners or operation team.
• Direct the creation and maintenance of frequent and accurate monitoring, analysis, tracking, and Quality Assurance (QA) processes across all channel partners and distribution systems, driving continuous improvement.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams to improve the understanding of channel demand and implement tactics to direct the demand in a way that supports strategic enterprise revenue optimization goals.
• Enhance the company-wide understanding of the online third party space by overseeing and improving organizational design, structure, priorities, processes, and reporting mechanisms.
• Stay abreast of and provide subject matter expertise on distribution related industry trends and innovation opportunities, including new players and distribution models.
• Work closely with the Revenue Management leadership on identifying potential opportunities in revenue generation.
• Manage and optimize relationship and results with third party call center and providers.
• Manage technology and channel vendor partner relationships, holding the vendors accountable for supporting distribution strategies.
• Work in liaison with revenue team members by supporting and enhancing their know-how in using all distribution systems through best practices, training, hands-on reviews and more.
• Work in liaison with other department leaders to lead process of onboarding new hotels and transition hotels.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, 5+ years relevant hotel distribution management experience or Revenue Management experience in a similar setting preferred.
• Ability to develop strong relationships through frequent communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction.
• Proficient in hospitality systems such as CRS, RMS, and PMS.
• Windsurfer, SynXis, Rainmaker, IDeaS, Agilisys LMS and Opera skills preferred.
• Must be proficient in MS Office software, mainly Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. Strong knowledge of LMS, CMP, SQL, Forward Distribution platforms and extranets, Rainmaker RMS, or be proficient with similar programs.
• Commitment to routinely go above and beyond in the accomplishment of position responsibilities in an effort to play a role in the achievement of organizational goals.
• Must present an image of excitement, enthusiasm, and outgoing personality, while being able to project a professional appearance.
• A team player with strong analytical, communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills. Outstanding organizational skills are a must, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Work Environment:

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekend, and holidays; some travel is required.
• Duties and responsibilities are typically performed in a professional office setting.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Pre-Employment Process:

Employment with Seminole Hard Rock Support Services requires the successful completion of the pre-employment process; to include a satisfactory background check.