Director, Travel Product & Operations

The Director, Travel Products & Operations (Americas) is responsible for leading the strategic direction, delivery, and ongoing optimization of Aspire's travel products and services across the Americas region. This role serves as the primary representative of the Global Travel organization within the Americas and is accountable for product management, client implementations, operational excellence, research and analysis, and team leadership.

This individual will oversee multiple functions, including Product Management, Client Implementation, and Travel Research & Analysis, ensuring that travel solutions meet client expectations, support business growth, and deliver exceptional traveler experiences. The role requires strong travel industry expertise, technical aptitude, and proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a complex travel technology environment.

• Define and execute the travel product roadmap for the Americas region in alignment with global strategy.
• Identify opportunities to enhance travel booking, servicing, content, and customer experience capabilities.
• Partner with technology, operations, suppliers, and client stakeholders to prioritize product enhancements and innovation initiatives.
• Lead product lifecycle management from concept and requirements through implementation and post-launch optimization.

• Serve as the senior travel subject matter expert (SME) for assigned clients, providing strategic guidance on travel products, travel technology, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices.
• Partner with clients' travel stakeholders to understand evolving business needs and identify opportunities for new travel functionality, enhancements, and service improvements.
• Collaborate with Product, Technology, Operations, and Supplier teams to define, prioritize, and deliver client-specific travel initiatives and enhancements.
• Represent the travel organization in client discussions related to travel strategy, product capabilities,supplier solutions, and travel technology roadmaps.

• Represent the Global Travel organization throughout the Americas region.
• Act as a key liaison between regional teams and global travel leadership.
• Ensure regional priorities are aligned with global strategic objectives.

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing teams across Product Management, Implementation, and Research & Analysis.
• Establish clear performance expectations and development plans for direct reports.
• Drive accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop organizational structures and resource plans that support business growth.

• Strong knowledge of travel distribution and fulfillment processes.
• Experience working with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), including Sabre, Amadeus, or Travelport.
• Understanding of airline, hotel, car rental, and ancillary travel products.
• Knowledge of online booking tools, travel technology platforms, supplier connectivity, APIs, and travel operations.
• Familiarity with travel servicing, issue management, and operational support environments.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to work effectively with engineering and technology teams.
• Experience with software development life cycles, Agile methodologies, and product delivery processes.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technology solutions.
• Experience using reporting, analytics, and operational performance tools.
• Understanding of integrations, APIs, workflows, and travel technology ecosystems.
• Would be the main voice for North America client travel needs
• Ability to present at client quarterly business reviews in a polished and professional manner
• Supporting SVPs in prospect and client RFPs
• Ability to Work with travel suppliers where needed and develop solutions
• Strong Leadership Competencies, including but not limited to:
  Strategic thinking, Executive communication, Cross functional collaboration, Team development and Coaching.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in the travel industry.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional organizations.
• Strong experience in travel product management, travel technology, or travel operations leadership roles.
• Experience leading…