VFS Global Looking For Country Director – India at Mumbai Metropolitan Region Full Time

The Country Director – India will be responsible for driving performance and operational efficiency by executing trade strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with KPIs, timelines, and budgets. Additionally, the role involves monitoring performance, handling financial planning, and continuously improving processes to support growth and innovation.

Job Description

Operations and Financial Management

• Lead the development of the annual trade marketing business plan in close collaboration with the Market Director, aligning with the tourism organization’s vision to drive ambitious visitation and spend targets.
• Oversee in-depth market research and analysis to shape strategic commercial initiatives, with a focus on expanding tourism organization’s trade partnerships, accelerating business growth, organizing high-impact familiarization trips, and securing strategic sponsorships.
• Manage budgets, expenditures, and financial forecasts with precision to ensure fiscal discipline and sustained growth across tourism organisations operations.

Strategic Development

• Leverage a robust network of industry relationships to amplify the tourism organisations brand presence and influence across the global travel trade ecosystem.
• Identify and activate new channels, partnerships, and operational enhancements to elevate the tourism organisations visibility and competitiveness among long-haul destinations, positioning it as a premier choice for travellers and trade partners alike.

Compliance and Safety

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of industry trends, current practices, laws, and regulations, continuously monitoring local and federal regulatory landscapes.
• Oversee in-market research and analysis to pre-emptively identify potential threats and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Strengthen the brand presence through industry relationships and new trade channels.

Team Management & Succession Planning

• Manage and develop staff, including performance management, training, and career development.
• Create and maintain a robust talent pipeline to ensure succession planning (1:2 ratio).

Environment, Social & Governance

• Oversee corporate governance within the assigned region, ensuring alignment with organizational principles, policies, and regulations.
• Promote judicious use of natural resources and adhere to the organization’s environment, health, and safety policies, objectives, and guidelines.
• Drive the organization’s sustainability initiatives, working towards achieving established targets.

Anti Bribery Management Systems (ABMS)

• Follow the ABMS roles and responsibilities details as prescribed on the ABMS manual.
• Understanding of ethical standards and the importance of integrity in business practices.
• Ability to identify and evaluate risks related to bribery in various business contexts. For more detailed explanation, follow the ABMS manual.

Additional Responsibilities (Special Projects)

• Proven Success: Demonstrated track record in creating and executing successful commercial and trade marketing strategies.
• Business Acumen: Strong commercial and financial acumen, with proven experience in budget planning and performance reporting

Education

• Graduate/Postgraduate or Global Equivalent Degree in a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 20 years of overall experience with 12 -15 years in travel industry, as well as progressive leadership in a senior commercial or trade roles within a tourism board or major travel organization.