Head of Contracting

Location: Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaEmployment: Full-time - Saturday - ThursdayReports to: CEO & Head of CommercialStart: ImmediateJob Descriptionumrahbookings is looking for a senior Head of Contracting to lead the company's hotel contracting strategy and commercial accommodation portfolio.This is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the CEO and Head of Commercial, with responsibility for developing the overall contracting strategy, expanding umrahbookings' hotel network and leading the Contracting team.The successful candidate will have significant experience within hotel contracting, hospitality, travel or tourism and a strong understanding of the Saudi accommodation market.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and implement UmrahBookings' overall hotel contracting strategy.Work directly with the CEO to establish annual contracting objectives.Identify strategic opportunities across Makkah, Madinah and other Saudi destinations.Build a scalable contracting structure to support the company's growth.Establish contracting targets, KPIs and performance reporting.Hotel PartnershipsLead negotiations with key hotels and hotel groups.Develop strategic relationships with senior hotel management.Secure competitive rates and preferential commercial terms.Negotiate allocations and inventory commitments where commercially appropriate.Identify opportunities for exclusive or preferred rates.Develop long-term strategic partnerships with priority hotels.Team ManagementLead and develop the Contracting Manager and Contracting Executives.Establish clear individual and departmental KPIs.Build processes for hotel acquisition, contracting, renewal and performance management.Train and mentor the contracting team.Conduct regular performance reviews and pipeline meetings.Commercial ManagementMonitor hotel production, revenue and profitability.Analyse booking trends and agent demand.Identify underperforming contracts and develop corrective strategies.Ensure the hotel portfolio meets the needs of UmrahBookings' international agency network.Work closely with Sales, Reservations, Marketing and Operations.Seasonal StrategyLead contracting preparation for:RamadanHajjPeak Umrah periodsSchool holidaysSaudi public holidaysInternational travel peaksRequirementsSenior-level experience in hotel contracting, wholesale travel, hospitality, DMC, OTA or tourism.Strong existing network within the Saudi hotel industry.Extensive knowledge of Makkah and Madinah accommodation markets.Proven track record of commercial negotiations.Experience managing contracting teams.Strong understanding of hotel distribution, wholesale rates, allocations and inventory.Excellent commercial and analytical ability.Strong leadership and relationship-management skills.Ability to negotiate at senior management level.Arabic and English strongly preferred.Saudi hospitality / Hajj & Umrah experience highly desirable.Must be based in Saudi Arabia; Jeddah-based candidates preferred.