Airlines Operations Executive

We are making travel effortless. Join Us. Whether it's to visit the people closest to us, starting an exciting adventure, or a career-defining business trip, travel is an essential part of our lives. Yet we've all experienced the aches and pains of getting to our destination. Today, more than 4 billion airline passengers rely on technology that hasn't kept up with the expectations of the modern connected traveller. That's why we've started to rebuild the infrastructure that underpins the travel industry. We're on a mission to unravel travel, simplifying systems and building the tools that will make the future of travel effortless. We were part of Y Combinator S18's cohort and we are backed by Benchmark, Blossom, Index Ventures and Kima Ventures. A fantastic set of investors that has helped build some of the world's largest companies Partnerships at Duffel Partnerships owns Duffel’s global supply strategy across airlines, hotels, cars and emerging travel verticals. We work directly with suppliers to unlock high quality content, build commercial frameworks, and ensure our platform scales with the industry. As our airline portfolio grows, so does the complexity of managing relationships, distribution updates and commercial structures. This role sits at the centre of that system, ensuring everything runs smoothly day to day. About this role & Why it matters This role is for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex, fast-moving environments and making things happen. Airlines are a core part of Duffel’s platform, and how we manage those relationships directly impacts our ability to grow. You’ll work closely with the Head of Partnerships to keep Duffel’s airline relationships and pipeline moving, ensuring partners are supported, internal teams are aligned, and priorities are executed. You’ll act as the connective layer between airlines and Duffel’s internal teams, translating partner conversations into clear actions and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. This role plays a central part in keeping partnership operations running effectively, ensuring we stay aligned with airlines while moving quickly internally. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to modern airline distribution, working closely with global carriers and internal teams to see how partnerships translate into real product and commercial outcomes. It’s a role with strong visibility, where high-quality execution makes a meaningful impact on how Duffel operates and scales. What we’re looking for in you Experience: Previous experience in account management, partnerships, or commercial operations. Ability to operate independently and follow through on tasks, while knowing when to escalate. Industry Knowledge (Nice to have): Experience in the travel industry, particularly airlines or distribution, with familiarity with GDS, NDC or airline commercial models. Data Literacy: Comfort working with data and reporting, with the ability to interpret performance and spot trends. Exposure to tools like SQL, Metabase, or similar analytics platforms is a plus. Operational Excellence: Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with a proactive mindset and the ability to bring structure to complex, fast-moving environments. Communication: Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to act as the connective layer between external partners and internal stakeholders, translating conversations into clear actions. What you’ll be working on Relationship Management: Managing day-to-day communication with airline partners, handling inbound airline requests (including NDC updates, distribution changes, and operational queries), and ensuring they continue to progress. Reporting & Visibility: Maintaining and building reporting across airline performance metrics, tracking supplier commercial frameworks (including commissions and incentives), and helping the team stay informed. Operational Coordination: Coordinating with internal teams to ensure airline requirements are understood, progressed, and aligned across multiple workstreams. Pipeline Support: Supporting pipeline management by maintaining visibility on prospective airlines and ongoing conversations to keep work moving forward. Process Improvement: Building and improving internal documentation, trackers, and processes across airline partnerships to help the team scale. A few key pieces of information before applying 📍 Location: For London-based applicants, we have a hybrid work-from-home policy and require everyone to come to our Shoreditch office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For applicants based in Europe, this role can be performed remotely. 📝 Interview Process: Our interview process consists of three stages: a recruiter screen, a hiring manager interview, and a final stage interview. ✔️ Background Checks: If you are successful, all offers will be pending satisfactory background checks (we partner with a third-party provider to do so) and employment references. Why Join Duffel? We're a growth-focused team that values open communication, diverse perspectives, and true ownership. We want you to feel empowered in your role, which is why every permanent employee becomes a company shareholder. 🌍 Live Your Best Life Duffel Travel Allowance: We subsidise your wanderlust. Work From Anywhere (60 days): Your office, your rules. Sabbaticals: Long-term loyalty, long-term breaks. Flexible Bank Holidays: Swap holidays to suit your schedule. 🔋 Level Up & Give Back Study Days: Get paid to learn. Volunteering Day: One day a year to save the world. Electric Car & Cycle Schemes: Eco-friendly rides, tax-free prices. 🛡️ The Essentials, Upgraded Family Leave (maternity, paternity and adoption): Big support for life's biggest moments, 26 weeks fully paid. Pensions & Loans: Future-proofing and interest-free commuting. Eye Tests: Keeping your vision (and your style) sharp. We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe that the key to our success is employing a diverse team, that's why recruitment decisions are only based on your experience and skills. We value your ability to problem solve and build amazing things so we welcome applications from everyone - regardless of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. Note to recruitment agencies: Duffel does not accept speculative CV's from external parties. Any unsolicited CV's sent to us will be treated as property of Duffel, and any attached terms and conditions associated with these CV's will be null and void.conditions associated with these CV's will be null and void.