Lead supplier management for Explera Japan: hotel and transport contracts, allotments, rates, quality and the supplier team.
About Explera DMC
Explera DMC is a premier Destination Management Company dedicated to delivering exceptional travel and event experiences worldwide. We operate with a global mindset while maintaining rigorous compliance standards.
Role overview
We are seeking a Contracting Manager to lead supplier management for Explera Japan. You will negotiate and manage contracts with hotels and ryokan, transport companies, activity providers and restaurants, so our partners get competitive, reliable rates for Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and the Japanese Alps.
You will lead the supplier executives, set contracting priorities with sales and quotations, and make sure every rate and policy in our system is correct.
Key responsibilities
1. Contracts & negotiation
- Negotiate annual contracts, allotments, release periods, group rates and special offers with hotels and ryokan
- Contract transport, guides, activities and restaurants on clear terms
- Plan rates and allotments ahead of cherry blossom, Golden Week, autumn leaves and New Year
2. Rates & systems
- Make sure every contract, rate, supplement and policy is loaded correctly in our booking system
- Review margins and competitiveness with sales and quotations every season
3. Supplier quality & relationships
- Run site inspections and quality checks, and act on guest feedback
- Onboard new suppliers with the right licences, insurance and payment terms
4. Team leadership
- Lead and train the supplier executives
- Report monthly on contracted inventory, savings and supplier performance
Requirements
- 5+ years in hotel or ground contracting at a DMC, tour operator or hotel group in Japan
- A strong network of hotels and ryokan and transport suppliers across Japan
- Proven negotiation and contract management skills
- Japanese and fluent English
- Experience leading a small team
- Valid right to work in Japan
Why join Explera DMC?
- Own supplier strategy for Japan across Explera's partner markets
- Gain exposure to global travel markets and cross-border operations across Asia
- Be part of a dynamic, growing DMC with a strong compliance culture
- Autonomy to own your role and drive process improvements
Skills and Languages
Languages
- Japanese
- JLPT N2
- English
- Fluent
Skills
- Hotel contracting
- Supplier management
- Rate negotiation
- Allotments
- Rate loading
- Team leadership
- Excel
Education
Graduate; hospitality or business qualifications are a plus
Questions about this role
What does the Contracting Manager – Japan at Explera do?
Lead supplier management for Explera Japan: hotel and transport contracts, allotments, rates, quality and the supplier team. Day to day, the role includes: negotiate annual contracts, allotments, release periods, group rates and special offers with hotels and ryokan; contract transport, guides, activities and restaurants on clear terms; plan rates and allotments ahead of cherry blossom, Golden Week, autumn leaves and New Year.
Where is the Contracting Manager – Japan role based, and is it remote?
Location: Tokyo, Japan. Work mode: Office. Employment: full-time. The role is with Explera Japan K.K., part of Explera Group, a B2B destination management company in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India and Hong Kong.
What experience and qualifications do I need?
Experience: 5–12 years. Education: Graduate; hospitality or business qualifications are a plus. Languages: Japanese (JLPT N2), English (Fluent). Key requirement: 5+ years in hotel or ground contracting at a DMC, tour operator or hotel group in Japan.
What is the salary for the Contracting Manager – Japan?
The salary is discussed at interview and confirmed in a written offer. The application form asks for your current and expected salary.
How do I apply for the Contracting Manager – Japan?
Apply online at https://career.expleradmc.com/jobs/contracting-manager-japan-tokyo-jpcm26/apply. The form takes about 10 minutes: your details, CV and the role's questionnaire, plus the documents it asks for (usually a recent photo, a photo ID and your highest education certificate). You can also email your CV to hr@expleradmc.com with the job title in the subject line.
What is the hiring process?
1. Apply (10 min): send your profile and resume in about 10 minutes. 2. Screening (within 5 days): a recruiter reviews your application and may call for a short chat. 3. Interview (1–2 rounds): meet the hiring manager and team, online or in the office. 4. Offer (within 1 week): a written offer with salary, benefits and start date. 5. Welcome (first 30 days): onboarding with your team, systems access and a buddy.
When does this job close?
Applications close on 27 November 2026. Apply early: we review applications as they arrive.
