Manager, Product

JOB TITLE : Manager, Product

POSITION STATUS : Permanent

REPORTING MANAGER : Director, Product

LOCATION : Mississauga or Montreal

WHO WE ARE

At Air Canada Vacations, we’re in the business of making dreams travel. That’s why we offer vacation packages, tours, cruises and more tailored to everyone’s individual needs. We like to say we have a vacation for every traveller because we do! If you're someone who's passionate about exploring the world and sharing that enthusiasm with our customers, we'd love to welcome you to our team. For over 50 years, Air Canada Vacations has been making travel easy, so come and join us in helping fellow Canadians create unforgettable memories wherever they go.

Air Canada Vacations is looking for talented people to join our exciting and continually growing team. We are looking for innovative and dedicated professionals who have a passion for travel and the desire to bring Air Canada Vacations to the next level. We look forward to having you on board!

SCOPE: Negotiate all land product, including marketing recoveries and day to day support for designated destinations.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Source opportunities, conduct contractual negotiations ensuring competitive product offering within the marketplace

• Conduct ongoing negotiations of rates and services to better ensure delivery of superior product and in response to competitive environment
• Develop and manage strategic plan for success of assigned destinations
• Support budget targets determined by ACV
• Negotiate all land product and day-to-day support for designated destinations where Leisure travel is deemed possible for expanding product lines
• Support Air Canada’s growth into new routes/destinations by creating tour components where feasible
• Identify opportunities for new or amended products/services in anticipation of evolving customer needs
• Assist in customer service issues ensuring follow-up with appropriate department and resolution with supplier and customer
• Contract management: Oversee and manage contractual agreements to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers. Responsibilities include reviewing, negotiating contracts, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Conduct ongoing negotiations of rates and services to support ACV campaigns
• Solicit and analyze market intelligence of suppliers and competitors for products
• Provide support to the team in all aspects – provide direction, training, mentoring
• Establish and maintain relationships with tourist boards and government agencies
• Negotiate Digital brochure contributions and marketing funds from suppliers
• Provide operational, payment and inventory procedures in development of contract
• Support brochure/Toolkit production
• Ensure compliance with corporate and legal requirements
• Actively promote relationships with suppliers to further revenue opportunities
• Provide product training
• Ensure the accuracy of the website
• Review Hotelex for accuracy including final sign off
• Destination research and analysis: Evaluate destinations to assess their potential for tourism development. Responsibilities include market research, competitor analysis, identifying trends, and providing insights to inform strategic planning and decision-making for the organization
• DMC management: Manage the relationships, optimize cost efficiency, and value creation. Responsibilities include vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, spend analysis, and ensuring alignment with organizational strategies.
• DMC research and analysis: Identify and evaluate potential Destination Management Companies (DMCs) for partnership based on service quality, pricing, and regional expertise. Analyze and compare service offerings, including tours, accommodations, transportation, and optional activities.
• Review and work with DMC to resolve Customer Service concerns when escalated
• Provide coaching and on-going evaluation/feedback to team
• Coordinate Product Assistant responsibilities, workload, and priorities, provide feedback for performance review, assist when required due to deadlines
• Manage internal updates on product changes in a timely manner
• Source free accommodation for various charitable and promotional functions
• Negotiate externally with suppliers on deposit and Letter of Credit amounts then prepare business case for accounting approval
• Prepare Business plans for new and/or risk hotels/destinations
• Travel to meet with suppliers and attend Business functions
• Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• College degree mandatory and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the tourism industry
• Proficiency in utilizing MS Office
• Excellent organizational abilities, analytical, verbal and written communication skills
• Able to use own initiative and judgment and work under pressure
• Understanding of the contracting and costing process is desirable
• Knowledge of French and Spanish, an asset

WHY WORK WITH US?

• Our team loves to travel, and we have one of the most generous employee travel programs in the industry. You’ll be eligible for travel privileges for yourself and other eligible persons once you’ve completed 6 months of service
• Hybrid work model
• We value your wellbeing and offer a wide variety of benefit plans, including health and dental, for you and your family
• We offer training and development tools to help unlock your full potential

Please note that these benefits apply to permanent, full-time employees.

Visit our Careers page for a full list of benefits.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Air Canada Vacations is committed to ensuring a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace, fundamental to its core values. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, listen to every voice, and instill a sense of belonging in our people that allows each team member’s authentic self to truly shine.

We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply as we strive to create a diverse team that mirrors the diversity of the customers and communities we serve as an equal opportunity employer. Should you require any accommodation, please inform us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. For any accessibility-related assistance, requests for information in accessible alternative formats or to report any accessibility problems, please share in your application.

Linguistic Requirements

When qualifications are equal, preference will be given to bilingual candidates. The position involves daily interactions with partners, clients, and colleagues located outside of Quebec.