Director, Air & Car Rental Partnerships
The Director of Air & Car Rental Partnerships at Engine is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and executing strategies related to air and car rental supply. This position involves managing key relationships with airlines and car rental companies, ensuring their seamless integration into Engine's platform. The role operates at the intersection of supply strategy, product development, commercial negotiations, and pricing, contributing significantly to Engine's growth and service offerings.
Key responsibilities include leading the strategy and execution of Engine's air and car rental supply ecosystem, aligning with the company's 2026 priorities. The director will deepen senior relationships with airline and car rental partners, serving as a trusted executive counterpart. This role also involves identifying, negotiating, and activating direct supplier agreements in partnership with executive leadership, shaping Engine's preferred connectivity and partnership approaches by carrier, rental brand, and market. Additionally, the director will develop and maintain a strategic roadmap for supplier coverage, connectivity, and commercial alignment, collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Pricing, and Operations to translate strategy into delivered outcomes. Monitoring industry dynamics across airline commercial, distribution technology, regulatory, and competitive landscapes to inform Engine's long-term positioning is also a key aspect of the role.
Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in airline distribution, supply strategy, partnerships, or commercial roles. Deep existing relationships with airlines and, ideally, car rental brands, with demonstrated ability to engage credibly at the executive level, are essential. A strong understanding of airline distribution models, including Global Distribution Systems (GDS), New Distribution Capability (NDC), ancillaries, and fare structures, as well as car rental commercial constructs, is required. A proven track record in negotiating and scaling complex supplier partnerships with meaningful commercial impact is necessary. Strong strategic judgment with the ability to balance experience, coverage, performance, and economics, along with clear, executive-level written and verbal communication skills, are important. Comfort operating in ambiguity and making tradeoff-driven decisions is also crucial.
The compensation package includes a competitive base salary ranging from $173,000 to $240,000 USD, with equity for all employees. Depending on the role, total compensation may also include an annual bonus. Engine offers a hybrid-hub work model, providing flexibility in work environments, and a comprehensive benefits package. Perks and benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and more.
Engine is an AI-native platform for intelligent travel, serving over 40,000 customers and nearly 2 million travelers. The company has been recognized as one of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators (2025), TravelTech's Reservation Platform of the Year (2026), and one of Built In's Best Places to Work (2020–2026). Engine is looking for bold, ambitious people to help redefine how businesses manage and experience travel. Working here offers exponential growth, an ambitious pace, full ownership, and high-caliber colleagues who push you to do the best work of your career.