Arik Air Latest Career Opportunities 10th August, 2016 – http://www.arikair.com/careers

• The Assistant VP Marketing, CL & CRM will be responsible for providing leadership and management of the Company’s marketing team, conceptualizing and implementing marketing strategy and achieving marketing targets.
• Specific responsibilities include business and market research and planning; Strategic direction for promotion and advertising; Corporate marketing, partner/channel marketing, product marketing, and product management; Coordination with sales and directing the day-to-day activities of marketing staff.
• The VP Marketing will drive the Company’s efforts to position itself as a visionary leader to achieve its revenue goals.
• The VP will be responsible for Arik’s loyalty programs, partnerships and customer relations, strategic marketing plans to increase supplemental revenue.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Define the appropriate marketing organization for the company’s growth.
• Strategic planning including corporate positioning, market and competitive analysis, customer segment selection and penetration plans, and related product positioning.
• Oversee marketing communications including; branding, public relations, advertising, trade shows, seminars and events, collateral materials, market research management, website design and content etc.
• Define and direct marketing programs for demand creation, lead generation and interface with VP Sales for lead tracking and management.
• Work closely with VP Sales to develop and manage channel and partner strategies and programs.
• Oversee product management including market and customer research for market and product requirements.
• Develop and track metrics and success criteria for all marketing programs and activities. 
• Develop Arik’s tactical marketing strategy to support the development, testing and execution of marketing campaigns for the loyalty and partnership programs. This includes web promotions, e-mail campaigns, event marketing, inflight promotions, sponsorships, and internet marketing efforts.
• Restructure Arik’s mileage based loyalty program to better align with corporate business model and customer base.
• Develop and optimize Arik’s destination and hotel partnerships including restructuring of distributions channels, contract re-negotiations, marketing and pricing strategy.
• Act as strategic leader and point of contact between Arik staff and all loyalty partners to facilitate discussions and projects between Arik and partners.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or preferably Master’s degree in Marketing, Branding, Communication studies.
• 8 – 10 years marketing experience in airline/travel industry with 4 years in similar/senior management position.
• Ability to plan and manage at both strategic and operational levels.
• Exceptional track record of developing and implementing marketing strategies that have consistently met or exceeded planned objectives, providing personal leadership through example.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a results driven, team oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage marketing activities (PR, corporate identity).
• A result oriented track record in the creation of successful marketing campaigns and promotions that drive consumer response.
• Must have exceptional project management, organizational, analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and brand management activities.
• Knowledge of marketing best practices, promotional marketing tactics, messaging programs, channel management, event planning and web design.
• Ability to work with very limited resources and ensure proper and timely execution.
• Thorough knowledge of innovative marketing techniques to maximize spent and capable problem solver.
• Experience managing ad placement and sponsorships.
• Demonstrated successful experience negotiating with media
• Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop talent, lead, manage and motivate people.
• Experience managing marketing service vendors including print/press, design and tradeshows.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have the ability to build strong relationships and lead cross functional teams.
• Professional presence – interacting with external members of the industry.
• Strong creative, strategic, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
• Membership in a professional organization a plus.

Working Relationship:

• The post holder will maintain close relationships with key stakeholders, these include:
  • Pricing
  • Network Planning
  • Global Sales and Distribution
  • Ground Operations
  • E-Commerce
  • Third party vendors
  • Partners

• The Assistant Manager Business Planning and Analytics is responsible for planning and managing all data analytics to rationalize business performance, thereby enabling management to make objective business decisions.
• This role provides business support for the SVP Commercial and Chief Commercial Officer for financial and analytical support for the annual operating plan, annual revenue budget and periodic forecasts, revenue variance analysis, business case development, reporting, research, data analysis, metric/KPI development and tracking.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Forecast revenue on daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Forecast new route revenue and profitability potential.
• Recommend schedules for new markets based on commercial and competitive data.
• Monitor route performance versus budget and report variances.
• Develop and maintain senior management dashboards.
• Treat all reporting requests.
• Develop company commercial and operational databases to automatically generate reports.
• Manage and communicate relevant competitive and industry actions.
• Analyze, report and recommend adaptation strategies regarding market trends, sales channel performance, commercial results and competitor activity to senior management.
• Conduct price reviews as needed and recommend changes.
• Create presentations for varying audiences.
• Monitor and report political developments that would impact operations.
• Research & write briefs on new destinations.
• Conduct regular and varying quantitative and qualitative business-case analyses to aid Commercial decision-making.
• Actively engage sales teams to provide account performance information and high light areas of opportunity.
• Daily online and operational research assignments to aid in the development of the airline.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Must be university educated with Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics with advanced numerical ability.
• Must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in the airline industry in a heavily analytical function preferably in Revenue Management, Business/Corporate Planning and Marketing Research.
• Direct project experience with utilizing data management and operational research.
• Must be an advanced Microsoft Excel user (pivot tables, macros, vlookup, hlookup and in database)
• Ability and direct experience working with and formatting large datasets in Microsoft Excel.
• Advanced experience using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Must be an analytical and logical thinker.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Experience and ability to thrive in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, flexible, creative, ability to prioritize in stressful environment and handle deadlines

Working Relationship

• Main working relationship is with Commercial Leadership (SVP Commercial and Chief Commercial Officer).

• The Manager RM is responsible to achieve the maximization of the revenue and profitability of Arik by developing/implementing Revenue Management strategies in both Inventory & Distribution.
• Manages Revenue Optimization, Revenue Integrity Units to optimize net position contribution for Arik, supporting the VP in developing the revenue strategy on all routes and markets across Arik Network.

Inventory Management and Route Optimisation

• Understand the implications of external market dynamics and competitor activity on the business and react accordingly with appropriate development of Revenue management strategies.
• Identify traffic flows and business opportunities to maximize revenue across routes.
• Keep abreast of competitive environment and best practices to revitalize revenue management strategies and tactics.
• Determine seat allocations to optimize the fare mix, forecast demand for each fare product and overbook seat sales to account for cancellations. 
• Work with Network team to optimize schedules and passenger opportunities.
• Validate existing capacity in relation to demand and propose changes as required.
• Apply accurate demand forecasts across the business.
• Apply strategies and objectives at a macro and micro flight-by-flight level, through managing bucket price levels against changing demand, seasons and market conditions.
• Manage and provide updates on performance in relation to planned revenue targets on an ongoing basis. Implement strategies to correct short-falls and leverage opportunities.
• Prepare guidelines and tools to support/enable decision making by Revenue Management team
• Monitor, interpret and share results of various reports with stakeholders to:
• Guide and implement post auditing on pricing and RM tactics.
• Guide and implement POS / channel strategies vis a vis pricing/mappings etc.
• Define continuous improvements on KPI.
• Develop and improve the team competencies.
• Ensure revenue management principles and strategies are fully understood and applied by each Analyst.
• Monitor Analysts’ performance and help them identify new opportunities on their routes.
• Ensure that Arik revenue management systems, techniques and technology improve and evolve to keep ahead of market competitors.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• University Degree with 6- 7 years of work experience in similar role.
• Demonstrated strong expertise in Revenue Management gained in an airline environment.
• Good knowledge of latest Revenue Management strategy & tactics.
• Strong expertise in Revenue Management, Ticketing and Distribution software: MARS, GDS knowledge. Previous experience with Aviator would be considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of travel markets/trends and particularly of markets in Arik Network.
• Knowledge of the complete marketing mix and its impact at contribution level.
• Strong commercial focus and financial awareness/understanding.
• Ability to manage a team in periods of heavy workload and time pressures.
• Ability to work with/manage experts in a strongly technical environment.
• Proven Project Management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail skills.
• Excellent decision, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work on own initiative and flexible to adapt to business requirements.
• Strong team work and ability to coach Analysts and Direct Report Managers

Working Relationship:

• The post holder will maintain close relationships with key stakeholders, these include: Pricing Network Planning Global Sales and Distribution Ground Operations E-Commerce Third party vendors

• To lead and manage the team responsible for revamping and developing the FFP program.
• The candidate will be responsible for defining the operational model for the FFP scheme including but not limited to how customers “Earn and Spend” Miles.
• Additionally, the candidate will work with relevant teams to develop Arik’s CRM procedures to ensure customer relations.

Key Responsibilities 
FFP Development and Delivery:

• Review, revamp and develop the operational blueprint for Arik’s FFP scheme.
• Manage the development of the FFP scheme’s benefits, features and rules, and continually improve these as required.
• Plan the integration of all departmental operations to ensure an optimal return on resources.
• Formulate the FFP scheme’s strategic plans for the short term and long term to fit in with the overall Commercial Strategy of Arik Air.
• Set business objectives for the program, determine departmental processes and resource application for activities, with accountability for achieving these objectives:
  • Contribute to the selection process of a suitable and effective service providers and partners that will deliver project objectives of the FFP scheme.
  • Manage the project to ensure that all partnership are in the interest of Arik Air.
  • Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget.
  • Significantly grow member base and develop new partnerships.
  • Ensure all customer feedback/complaints are promptly addressed and service recovery done in a timely manner.

Customer Loyalty Management:

• Accountable for the day-to-day management of the Customer Loyalty team as a business unit.
• Oversee and manage the relationship with all relevant external service providers with regards  to the FFP scheme.
• Ensure that the FFP scheme operates effectively across Arik by working closely with colleagues in:
• Revenue management to develop targeted redemption seat supply plans which appropriately manage customer demands and revenue targets.
• E-Commerce and IT to ensure that the membership product, database and its features are appropriately supported and promoted online.
• Finance to ensure that the revenues and costs of operating the scheme are accurately forecast, tracked and reported.
• Ground and in-flight services to ensure that members see the benefits of being a loyal customer.
• Prepare monthly progress reports on the FFP scheme for review by Arik Executives.

Communication and CRM:

• Coordinate all communication initiatives (both online and print) to FFP members globally
• Design, develop, print and ensure effective implementation of communication capabilities of the FFP.
• Develop new communication channels.
• Communicate partnerships and attractive offers to members:
  • Initiate and establish beneficial partnerships with airlines, banks/credit cards, hotels, car rentals, and retailers etc. which enhance benefits to the customer and create revenue to offset operating costs.
  • Organize frequent flyer events for customers.

Person Specifications

• University Graduate in a Marketing or Business-related field, studies in Loyalty/CRM desirable.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role with an airline.
• Extensive experience in building/revamping and managing an airline’s frequent flyer program or a travel-related loyalty program (or a credit card/ financial service loyalty card).
• Hands on experience developing and implementing targeted offer strategies like a deep understanding of customer segmentations and life cycle marketing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to present results and concepts to senior management
• Able to derive insights to construct offers, campaigns and communications that drive profitable customer behaviors.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and knowledge of database management and online CRM.  
• Ability to work independently with a flexible, innovative and creative approach.

• The Senior Manager Corporate Sales will develop the Corporate Sales Plan to achieve the related revenue target for the channel, achieving optimal results to secure corporate contracts, increasing the numbers year on year.
• Ensure that corporate sales strategies are profitable and position the company for long-term growth within the corporate channels.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor the implementation of the corporate sales strategy in order to enhance existing and new revenue channels.
• Achieve and exceed the set revenue targets for each financial year.
• Ensure the sales and revenue opportunities are maximized by sourcing new corporate sales agreements that have a positive contribution towards revenue target set for the financial year.
• Execution of funnel management, forecasting and other sales financial analysis.
• Effective management of Corporate sales (field sales, operations, forecasting and headcount)
• Work with Commercial teams to design and execute effective strategies to maximize revenue, growth, retention and loyalty of designated key accounts; develop and deploy strategies to manage, measure and grow the channel.
• Lead, participate and facilitate sessions with team members which are directed in the development of selling, retention strategies and focused on achieving monthly, quarterly and annual sales quotas and targets, and a balanced product mix.
• Recruit high performing staff, train and develop new employees.
• Facilitate individual growth and development of Sales team, setting objectives, performance standards and priorities, coaching and acting as role model on sales approaches and account leadership.
• Inspire and influence internal stakeholders, and other resources not under direct control, partnering with stakeholders to continually assess and improve internal processes and interfaces between functions to deliver the best possible account/customer experience.
• Report to Management on sales and market growth results and recommend the necessary changes to ensure the desired results are achieved.
• Monitor and assess visits to corporate accounts to ensure good relationship management with client as well as ensure gaps & business opportunities are closed successfully.
• Review and monitor the organization and participation at events, seminars and functions to ensure maximum exposure of the business and its products and services.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• A minimum of a University Degree, a higher degree is desirable.
• 7-8 years of Corporate Sales / Leadership experience in the airlines/travel industry,  preferably experience in  leading a multi-site Corporate Sales Team.
• A proven track record of success in B2C (Direct Corporates) and B2B (Travel Management Companies) sales.
• Strong ability to develop strategic sales teams while driving engagement and success.
• Strong financial acumen, coupled with strategic marketing and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills – very adept at synthesizing complex solutions and presenting them effectively to all levels of an organization.
• Natural leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team of individuals.A healthy mix of tenacity, commitment and pragmatism to successfully lead a team and grow our business within a competitive and challenging environment
• Proven ability to prepare and deliver professional documents and presentations to all levels of an organization
• Excellent negotiator with a good understanding of Contracting practices and travel management/procurement
• Be an active leader in building new, and reinforcing existing, customer relationships.
• Ability to deliver result with limited resources.

Working Relationship:

• Global Sales and Distribution, Revenue Management, FFP, Customer Relations, Marketing, Group Operations.

• To head the development and implementation of revenue planning, revenue management and forecasting systems, to enable revenue generation controls and to infuse best practices in inventory management.
• Provides the network with competitive pricing and distribution support, to generate revenues while maximizing yields.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor company and competitor Fares, Unpublished fares, seasonal trends and also to monitor filed fares in various CRS’s and on line portals.
• Perform comprehensive evaluations and analysis across other airlines and fare proposals to be submitted to company pricing for approval
• Maintain complete database of all market fares types and ensure transparent distribution to all involved departments.
• Using pricing/distribution databases and systems relevant to revenue management.
• The ability to provide innovative and creative solutions through working with internal and external partners with appropriate speed and response.
• Work with regional sales team and sales support to improve understanding & use of business data and metrics.
• Manage and administer the company pricing strategy, electronic and paper distribution of passenger fares and rules via all available distribution channels, including internet on a selective basis, and directly to the company’s corporate and trade customers.
• Understand and implement the complete tariff process and be aware of industry changes and distribution enhancements for the airline, travel agency, GDS, GNE channels.
• Maintain and develop a strong understanding and control of our fares, while filing public and private fares in ATPCO database for global distribution.
• Monitor and resolve all fares/tax related issues with CRS and global GDS systems.
• Conduct random fare audits by checking ticketed data with fare-circulars or as per IATA published fares, and in case of discrepancies, instruct Accounts to raise ADMs as required.
• Oversee the pricing of airline documents at correct applicable rates in accordance with governing multilateral and specific prorate agreements.

Competencies:

• Creative
• Analytical thinking
• Strategic thinking
• Planning and organization
• Assertiveness
• Persuasiveness and personal influence
• Proactive and Results orientated
• Attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial Innovation

Required Skills & Qualifications

• University graduate
• Minimum 5 years required in the airline industry with qualification in tariff and ticketing disciplines
• 2-3 years data and business analysis & report production, ideally in commercial and sales environment.
• Good knowledge of the African market and the West Africa region
• Expert level proficiency in MS Office applications (word, outlook, express, excel, project, power point etc)
• Knowledge of the functionalities of the GDSs, CRS, CRM, Revenue Reporting, BIDT, MIDT, PROS etc would be an advantage
• Advanced level Fares and Ticketing courses from Airlines/IATA.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications with advanced MS Excel and Power Point skills.  
• Good knowledge of the functionalities of Revenue Management Systems
• Previous experience working in Airline Yield Improvement or Pricing committees would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in revenue accounting, preferably in interline rejections/dispute would be an asset.

• Develop, implement and manage all Commercial activities of Arik Air Ltd in conjunction with the corporate plan and directives of the Board.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Overhaul, develop and implement the Board approved Commercial strategy for Arik Air Ltd.
• In relation to long-haul markets:- coordinate closely with the COO of the contracted long-haul management service provider (i.e. Arik Air International) in ensuring that the Board approved long-haul strategy is clearly understood and successfully implemented across global long-haul stations.
• Define the appropriate commercial organization to deliver its vision for growth.
• Lead and manage all commercial activities to maximize market share and revenue across all distribution channels.
• Oversee and manage Sales, Distribution Channels, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships, Business Development, Scheduling and Planning, Yield and Revenue Management, Pricing, E-Commerce, Marketing, Corporate Communications, Charter Services and any other commercial activity
• Manage, lead, motivate and mentor a high achieving professional management team.
• Develop and maintain government relations with Nigerian State and Federal representatives, foreign representatives/governments, Ministries and Statutory Authorities.
• Develop, promote and secure contracts with travel trade, TMCs, government, corporates and SMEs.
• Develop market growth opportunities including introduction of new schedules and new routes to develop, increase and maximize revenues.
• Build the Arik Air brand through inputs into all aspects of marketing communications including but not limited to PR, advertising, trade shows, sponsorships, collateral material, product development, social media, events, promotions and web content.
• Create benchmarks and implement customer satisfaction monitors and trend analysis and implement recommendations to improve service standards.
• Work closely with the Board to identify and develop opportunities, raise venture/ financing, communicate and present to Financial partners/ECAs/Manufacturers.
• Develop and manage the Company’s entire revenue and marketing budget.
• Develop, implement and manage a customer loyalty programmes and initiatives to enhance customer retention.
• Manage special projects including joint ventures, alliances and code share agreements.
• Develop and implement interline agreements and negotiate prorate agreements.
• Develop, implement and manage promotional campaigns, public relations strategies and Corporate Social Responsibility programmes to foster good public relations.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and partners for product development.
• Manage integrity of revenue collection; ensure payments are in accordance with contractual provisions, shortfalls are collected and debt is recovered.
• Provide market support for Arik Air International as required.
• Represent Arik Air Ltd interests internationally as required.
• Ensure Performance Plans and Reviews, including training and development requirements are completed for direct reports.
• Perform other duties as required, within competence as required by the Board.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline;
• Extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of airline commercial activities at a senior level;
• Extensive leadership and management experience developed in the aviation industry;
• Proven strategic planning ability with commercial acumen and advanced analytical skills;
• Strong written communication skills with an ability to draft internal/external communication, position papers on the industry, board papers, contracts and commercial agreements;
• Advanced IT skills with particular emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Power Point, Access and especially Excel), GDS systems, MIDT, CRS, DCS and Financial systems;
• Experience in route and network planning an advantage;
• Experience in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and FF schemes;
• Ability to develop relationships with all levels of the Company, Executives, the Board, statutory authorities and senior government representatives;
• Unrestricted passport with ability to travel at short notice as required.

Working Relationship:

• Arik Air Board and Senior Executives and Managers;
• Senior Government representatives, including the Executive branch;
• Statutory and regulatory authorities.