Managing Director(Travel Startup)

Managing Director - Travel(Special Project)

About the Project

Our client is a leading Thai IT company partnering with a sustainable urban mobility operator to launch a one-stop travel ecosystem platform targeting independent travelers (FIT) in Bangkok.

The platform is currently in its early commercial stage. This is a ground-up product launch — and we are looking for someone who knows how to find product-market fit and move fast before scaling.

The Role

As Managing Director, you will be the commercial engine of this new venture. You will lead GTM execution, build OTA and partner relationships, drive marketing analytics, and own the P&L for the project. You report to a joint steering committee and lead a cross-functional team of 6–15 people across marketing, operations, and partnerships.

What You Will Own

Go-to-Market Strategy & Marketing Analytics

• Design and execute the GTM playbook across domestic and inbound FIT traveler segments
• Own key performance metrics: CAC, conversion rate, funnel analysis, pricing strategy, and promotion effectiveness
• Make data-driven decisions to iterate quickly on campaigns and channels

OTA & Platform Partnerships

• Lead product listing and commercial negotiations on major OTA platforms (Klook, Viator, GetYourGuide, and others)
• Optimize content, pricing, and platform ranking to maximize booking volume
• Build relationships with platform account managers and identify co-marketing opportunities

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify, negotiate, and close partnerships with hotels, travel agencies, tourism boards, payment platforms, and lifestyle brands
• Structure and manage ongoing partner relationships with clear KPIs

Business Strategy & Product Alignment

• Collaborate with product and tech teams to align the commercial roadmap with product capabilities
• Provide market feedback that shapes product prioritization and feature development
• Represent the commercial perspective in steering committee reporting

Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day service operations, ensuring quality and SLA standards are met
• Build scalable processes and SOPs as the business grows
• Lead, coach, and develop your team

P&L Ownership

• Manage budget, revenue targets, and cost structure
• Report financial performance to the steering committee with clear variance analysis and action plans

What We're Looking For

Must-Have

• 7–10 years in business development, commercial strategy, or GTM roles
• Background in travel, tourism, OTA platforms, or e-commerce — you understand consumer purchasing behavior, booking flows, and how to convert and retain customers online
• Proven experience at an early-stage startup or new product launch — you've navigated the product-market fit stage before
• Demonstrated P&L ownership and commercially sound decision-making
• Hands-on with marketing analytics — CAC, LTV, conversion rates, pricing models

Strong Indicators of Success

• You've personally built a GTM strategy, not just executed someone else's
• You've negotiated and closed OTA or platform partnerships directly
• You can move between strategy and data dashboards without missing a beat
• You've managed and grown a team of 5+ people in a fast-moving environment

Nice to Have

• Experience in mobility, transport, or smart city ecosystems
• Existing network in Bangkok's travel, tourism, or hospitality industry
• Familiarity with Thai FIT traveler behavior and inbound tourism trends

Language

• Thai and English proficiency preferred; strong English business communication is a plus for international partner negotiations