Head of Hotel Partner Relations

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking hospitality professional to shape the future of Kensington’s hotel partnerships. You’ll design and execute partnership strategies that strengthen relationships with leading global hotel brands, luxury boutiques, and independent collections—creating exclusive offerings that delight travelers and drive profitability.

Reporting the SVP, Partner Relations this role provides the scope and autonomy to build, lead, and innovate within one of the most influential partner ecosystems in luxury travel.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute Kensington’s global hotel partnership strategy to drive revenue, product adoption, and brand differentiation.
• Build, enhance, and oversee our preferred hotel partner portfolio, including exclusive programs, amenities, and value-added offerings.
• Identify and secure new strategic hotel partnerships aligned with market trends, client demand, and brand positioning.
• Use data-driven insights and market intelligence to guide decisions and optimize partner performance.

Partnership Development & Negotiation

• Lead high-level negotiations with global and regional hotel groups, independent properties, and luxury collections to secure competitive rates, overrides, and cooperative marketing agreements.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with senior hotel executives to foster collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Partner with Ensemble, Kensington Tours, and Travel Edge teams to ensure programs meet advisor and client needs.
• Oversee the rate coding and distribution strategy in collaboration with Member Relations and internal systems teams.

Execution & Collaboration

• Collaborate with marketing, product, and technology teams to ensure hotel partners are prominently featured across our platforms and programs.
• Work with TripArc’s technology team to integrate exclusive hotel content and offers into ADX and related tools.
• Manage partnership budgets, co-op funds, and promotional initiatives to maximize ROI.
• Track KPIs, analyze outcomes, and report results to senior leadership with clear insights and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Several years of supplier relations, procurement, or account management experience within the hotel or hospitality industry.
• Proven ability to build, scale, and manage hotel partnerships that drive revenue and enhance client value.
• Established relationships within the hotel ecosystem—luxury brands, independent properties, and consortia.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience structuring global or multi-brand commercial agreements.
• Strategic thinker with an analytical mindset; comfortable interpreting performance data to inform decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience with GDS, CRS, or rate distribution technology is an asset.
• Entrepreneurial and hands-on with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and initiatives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Luxury travel experience is a strong plus.

Who You Are

• A relationship builder who thrives on creating value through partnership and collaboration.
• A confident communicator with executive presence and strong commercial instincts.
• Analytical yet creative—able to blend insight with innovation.
• Results-driven, organized, and adaptable to change.
• A passionate hospitality professional excited to shape the next chapter of luxury travel.

Why Join Us

At Kensington, you’ll be part of a visionary team transforming the way travel is built, sold, and experienced. You’ll have the opportunity to craft and lead a global hotel partnership strategy that delivers measurable value—supported by a culture that prizes innovation, trust, and impact.