Vice President - Procurement (US Based) at TAG

The Who

In 1988, our founders had an ambitious dream to form the largest specialized travel company in the world – to set the example of how touring and travel should be done. The belief that travel is one of the most emotive experiences you undertake and our ambition to make this experience the absolute best it can be for the traveller, has become the guiding principle for TAG.

We believe that through a bespoke, high-touch and personal service, we can alleviate the stress and complexity of travel. So, whether it is a business meeting to close a deal, an event to meet industry peers or a gig for 50,000 screaming fans, we will get our clients to where they need to be feeling ready to take on the world.

The Why

At TAG, our company values matter. We appreciate our staff working as a Team, having Ambition and being Genuine.

You will have a passion for the job you do, as well as a drive to want to do better – in return, TAG will support your growth and development, as well as offer opportunities to progress or maybe even change tack!

The What

The Vice President – Procurement is responsible for developing and implementing the overall commercial strategies and business relationships with air, hotel, ground and other procurement suppliers for TAG globally. This role is key to optimising supplier relations and negotiating maximised agreements to strategically support Company goals. The Vice President – Procurement leads a team to execute strategy, manage supplier relationships, and procure top value for TAG and TAG’s clients.

This position drives the strategic direction of all Procurement activities to align with Company objectives and has active cross- collaboration with Sales, Account Management & Marketing teams to deliver on results while demonstrating TAG’s vision and values.

Business Management

• Develop and implement commercial strategies for air, hotel, ground and other procurement suppliers for TAG globally.
• Partner with TAG’s global air, hotel, ground and other procurement suppliers to nurture and optimise strong business relationships.
• Negotiate maximised Procurement agreements to strategically support Company goals.
• Procure top value from suppliers to guarantee best-pricing and enhancement options for clients.
• Drive the strategic direction of all Procurement activities to align with Company objectives.
• Implement KPI’s and analytics to track revenue performance and to identify opportunities for growth.
• Oversee the RFP process to secure improved and favorable terms and to enhance TAG’s offering.
• Deliver override and supplier marketing funds to enable cost-effective solutions for clients and maximum profit for TAG.
• Ensure TAG’s air, hotel, ground and other procurement suppliers provide smooth continuity between promoting the TAG reputation of service excellence with excellent service-delivery.
• Work in active cross-collaboration with Sales, Account Management & Marketing teams.
• Collaborate with Leadership and Executive Teams for awareness of client needs/expectations or emerging new TAG geographies.
• Address and resolve Procurement issues, ensuring positive resolutions for TAG and TAG’s clients.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with air, hotel, ground and other procurement suppliers, including any governance or compliance requirements.
• Monitor and react to market trends and industry developments to maintain TAG’s competitive edge.
• Understand existing processes and procedures, including regional differences, to improve efficiency and effectiveness and streamline consistency wherever possible.
• Act on emerging technologies and support implementations to enhance the customer service proposition and client satisfaction.
• Oversee regional department Budgets and P&Ls according to set budgetary amounts.
• Formulate and action Procurement development tactics, attend networking and promotional events, and participate in meetings as appropriate.

People Management

• Hold direct line management responsibilities for supplier relations and procurement teams.
• Lead the teams to run effective and efficient functions, ensuring the highest standards of customer service and client satisfaction are achieved at all times.
• Give clear direction and focus on job roles and responsibilities and set team and individual targets.
• Manage direct reports for all day-to-day matters and conduct performance reviews, appraisals etc.
• Be a coach and mentor to facilitate successful execution of duties and provide continuous motivation and encouragement to achieve business and personal success.
• Assist in recruitment and staff management for departmental remits as appropriate.

Other responsibilities of the job:

• Uphold TAG’s reputation for high-quality service levels and represent TAG with full professionalism at all times.
• Remain an expert in the supplier relations and procurement fields and stay comprehensively knowledgeable in the Travel, Entertainment and Events industries.
• Initiate continuous improvement and give suggestions and recommendations to continually improve at staff or business level.
• Collaborate with relevant TAG departments and personnel for cross-division and global business activities.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The How

To be successful at TAG is as much about mindset and attitude as it is about skill set and qualifications. We’re a team who share the same desire and passion to go above and beyond for each and every client. We revel in making the seemingly impossible possible, always rising to the challenge with ambition and a genuine, open attitude. We work flexibly to accommodate our TAG team colleagues, meaning on occasion there could be requirements ‘outside of office hours’ to manage time zones and other work commitments.

As the Vice President of Procurement, there are several credentials and attributes which would be advantageous but a determined attitude and willingness to learn, are equally important.

• Education to Degree level or higher
• In lieu of education – equivalent combination of education and directly related experience
• Extensive and successful experience in supplier relations within a TMC
• Comprehensive knowledge in the travel, entertainment and events industries
• Highly experienced in leading senior manager/leadership personnel
• Solid understanding of strategic planning and strategy execution
• Sound awareness of global business operations and industry market conditions
• Proven record of profitable success in a competitive industry and fast-paced environment
• Intermediate/advanced use of MS Office and other software packages

The Where and When

This is a full-time role based in one of our US offices. Since March 2020, we have operated a flexible, hybrid approach to working and will continue to do this moving forward. We will work with you to find the best mix of office and home working that suits your life and the needs of the team.

You will report into the Chief Operating Officer who is based in Los Angeles. There are other regional teams based in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and South Africa that you may work closely with, too.

The Important Bit

As passionate as you may be about changing the face of travel, let’s be honest – you're not doing this for free. So, here’s our promise to you:

• Competitive salary DOE
• Wellness/EAP programme
• Employee discounts

We are also committed to offering an equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.

How to Apply

We want to know a bit about you. Send a cover letter outlining why you think TAG is a good fit for you and an up-to-date CV to danielle.myers@tag-group.com