Negotiator

We are looking for a Negotiator to join a hospitality-focused team in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky in a contract opportunity with permanent potential. This position supports customers with extended-stay lodging needs by sourcing suitable hotel options, securing competitive rates, and guiding reservations from request through confirmation. The ideal candidate is comfortable making decisions quickly, working through obstacles, and delivering a high level of service in a fast-paced office environment.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate extended-stay reservation requests, primarily for lodging needs of 30 nights or more, while ensuring each booking aligns with customer expectations.
• Evaluate available hotel options against client policies and select recommendations that balance cost, quality, and program compliance.
• Lead rate discussions for longer-term stays, including requests of 45 nights or more, to achieve favorable pricing under established guidelines.
• Handle complex booking situations involving limited inventory, short turnaround times, or restricted negotiating leverage while still seeking cost savings.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with hotel partners to obtain discounted rates, special offers, and proposal opportunities for current and prospective business.
• Monitor booking activity to uncover savings opportunities, market patterns, and consolidation strategies that can improve value for clients.
• Resolve day-to-day issues involving hotels and customers, including reservation updates, extensions, early departures, and other stay modifications.
• Partner with internal teams and consult directly with clients to recommend lodging solutions that best fit travel requirements, preferences, and deadlines.
• Participate in required training sessions, team meetings, and scheduled on-call coverage outside standard hours when assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree or 1 to 3 years of related experience requiring strong attention to detail in reservations, hospitality, customer support, or a similar service-based role.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively under tight deadlines and respond confidently to urgent booking requests.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess options and make sound decisions quickly.
• Ability to work accurately in a collaborative team setting while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, along with confidence using internet-based tools and multiple browser windows.
• Experience handling customer communication through phone and email in a fast-paced support or call center environment.
• Willingness to participate in on-call rotations that may occur outside regularly scheduled business hours.