VP Wholesale & Ground Services - dnata Travel

Job Purpose

dnata Travel Group, represents the travel division of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. Consisting of more than20 leading international travel brands, we are proud to serve our global customer base as a leading, award-winning travel services provider.

As a VP Wholesale & Ground Services, you will be responsible for the full P&L, management, operations, and strategic development of dnata Travel’s wholesale function with accountability for the effective contracting of relevant inventory (beds, transport, DMC operations, cruise and tours) to service our multi-channel/multi-brand/multi-site businesses which operate in the corporate, MIE, retail, and leisure environment, alongside Yalago’s external customers.

You will be accountable for identification and implementation of technology and product solutions which contribute to growth in revenue and margin and you will have the overall responsibility for the strategic evolution of Yalago, operation, management, growth, to generate stability of the wholesale brands of dnata Travel.

In This Role You Will Be Accountable For:

• Revenue & Financial Performance – Full P&L responsibility for Central Ground Services and Yalago, ensuring financial targets are met. Direct accountability for revenue, overrides, and synergy targets through effective budgeting, cost control, and leveraging group purchasing power.
• Business Growth & Market Expansion – Provide strategic insight to identify new markets, products, and services that enhance customer experience, drive differentiation, and generate incremental revenue. Develop business cases to capitalize on opportunities for growth and cost reduction.
• Strategic Leadership & Governance – Offer guidance to the executive board on sector developments, shaping policies to align with company objectives and ensure long-term sustainability. Define and execute long-term strategies, including workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Operational & Technical Excellence – Oversee the delivery of advanced technical solutions to maintain robust connectivity and meet evolving market demands. Establish measurable performance metrics for contracting, negotiation, and purchasing activities.
• Talent Development & Team Leadership – Recruit, mentor, and retain a high-performing, globally dispersed team. Embed a culture of customer-centricity, empowerment, succession planning, and formal performance management.
• Supplier & Partner Relations – Lead negotiations with hotel chains, bed banks, DMCs, and ancillary service providers to optimize global partnerships, secure competitive rates, and enhance value propositions across all business units.
• Health & Safety Compliance – Implement and maintain strong health & safety policies across Travel Partners/Yalago to safeguard customer well-being and integrate safety initiatives into daily operations.

To be considered for this role you must meet the below requirements:

Qualifications: Degree or Honours (12 + 3 or equivalent). Degree in sales and marketing/business is preferred.

Experience: 12+ years of work experience in procurement (non – aircraft)

You'll Have An Edge If You Have:

• Experience in ground purchasing and bed bank/destination management at an international/global level with the ability to travel extensively and at short notice.
• General management experience with extensive experience in financial management, setting budgets and monitoring financial performance (advantageous).
• The ability to demonstrate unquestionable integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills and you are highly numerate & literate.
• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to build and optimise relationships at the most senior level.
• The ability to prioritise and deliver results on time, operating in an autonomous environment.

At Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!

Salary & benefits

Join us in Dubai and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary and travel benefits that are exclusive to our industry, including discounts on flights and hotels stays around the world. You can find more information about our employee benefits in the Working Here section of our website www.emirates.com/careers. Further information on what it’s like to live and work in our cosmopolitan home city, can be found in the Dubai Lifestyle section.