Director, Distribution- Connectivity Operations

The global distribution landscape in the lodging industry continues to expand and become more complex.  The Distribution Strategy team is charged with identifying, developing, and executing the means to drive customers to Marriott’s lowest cost and direct channels, while optimizing the relationships with third party channels like Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Metasearch, wholesalers, and travel agencies.  Marriott recognizes that our portfolio’s performance in external intermediary channels is a key area of focus.   

As a member of the Distribution Strategy team, the Director, Global Connectivity Operations and Development is a role that will help shape and execute the current and future state global vision for connectivity infrastructure, capabilities, and processes. The associate will assist in executing evolving distribution strategies in the complex B2B and B2C intermediary segments including the oversight of technology partners and respective interfaces to/from Marriott and Amadeus systems. This role will also oversee the technology implementation for partners including, but not limited to, Travel Management Companies (TMC’s), Group, OTA’s, Metasearch, and Wholesale.    They will execute distribution solutions for these partners while working with respective stakeholders and Connectivity partners on a plan to scale across each continent: US/CAN, EMEA, CALA, and APAC. 

The associate will also play a pivotal role in working with stakeholders to operationalize and stabilize distribution strategies throughout the transformation project over the next several years. To accomplish this, the associate will work across multiple internal and external business and technology teams identifying critical business needs and objectives and transform them into actionable solutions and initiatives that support the overall Distribution and Marriott transformation strategy. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

Required

• 4-year bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major 

• 8+ years of experience in sales and marketing or a related professional area. 

• Experience managing a team of professionals 

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience working with third-party distribution channels and Marriott systems 

• Demonstrated experience building and sustaining a cohesive team focused on the team‘s mission and its importance to the organization 

• Previous experience identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities, as well as obtaining and comparing information from different sources to draw conclusions and determine a course of action 

• Proven ability to work within all levels of the organization.   

• Experience managing transformational strategies for business units 

• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under challenging conditions, particularly when faced with complexity and ambiguity 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

• Serves as Connectivity Subject Matter Expert (SME) for 3 rd party distributors 

• Aggregates distribution insights across Continent teams and transforms into actionable business and IT requirements to support strategic distribution initiatives 

• Manages IT roadmap to implement new partner interfaces to support Global and Continent Distribution Strategy 

• Manages project plans to pull through core capabilities and enhancements to existing partner interfaces 

• Oversees Marriott Growth Platform project and implementation for the Distribution organization 

• Works with Director of OTA/Wholesale to activate new programs and maintain high standards of operational service levels 

• Works with Senior Director Channel Operations & Support to monitor property and partner feedback, manage escalation resolution process, and recommend short- and long-term mitigation solutions 

• Identifies knowledge gaps and create a plan to educate key stakeholders to better understand how distribution strategies are managed and executed  

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates.  We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law. 

All positions offer a 401(k) plan, stock purchase plan, discounts at Marriott properties, commuter benefits, employee assistance plan, and childcare discounts.  Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, which may include rules regarding eligibility, enrollment, waiting period, contribution, benefit limits, election changes, benefit exclusions, and others. Click here to learn more.

Full-time positions also offer coverage for medical, dental, vision, health care flexible spending account, dependent care flexible spending account, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, adoption expense reimbursements, paid parental leave and educational assistance. 

Washington Applicants Only : Employees will accrue paid sick leave, 0.077 PTO balance for every hour worked and be eligible to receive a minimum of 9 holidays annually.

Marriott HQ is committed to a hybrid work environment that enables associates to Be connected.  Headquarters-based positions are considered hybrid, for candidates within a commuting distance to Bethesda, MD; candidates outside of commuting distance to Bethesda, MD will be considered for Remote positions.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose,  belong to an amazing global​ team, and  become the best version of you.