OTA Category Manager

Marhaba Ventures Private Limited (Marhaba Haji)

Job Title: OTA Sourcing & Category Manager

Location: Bangalore, India

Employment Type: Full-time

About Marhaba Haji

Marhaba Ventures Private Limited, winner of Karnataka Startup Elevate 2024 and a Startup India registered company, is launching the world's first dedicated Halal Tourism OTA. Our platform operates across B2B (free and white-label) and B2C channels, serving Muslim travelers globally.

We cover:

Religious Travel: Hajj and Umrah services to Mecca and Madinah

Leisure Travel: Muslim-friendly destinations worldwide including Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Palestine, Jordan, Qatar, parts of Europe (Georgia, Spain), and India (Kashmir, Kerala, Delhi, Lakshwadeep)

We offer services including packages, flights, hotels, visas, transport, activities, and guides, with a mission to deliver authentic, high-quality, cost-efficient, and competitive travel experiences.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated Sourcing & Category Manager to join our fast-growing startup. This role is strategic and operational, responsible for building supplier networks, curating compelling travel packages, and driving category growth.

You will have a direct impact on business expansion, revenue growth, and global partnerships, while shaping the future of halal tourism worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Sourcing & Management

Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-quality, authentic, and cost-efficient suppliers for Hajj, Umrah, and leisure travel services.

Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service agreements with suppliers.

Maintain long-term relationships to ensure consistent quality and service reliability.

Research emerging destinations and supplier opportunities to expand offerings globally.

Category Strategy & Management

Define and execute category strategies for religious and leisure travel offerings.

Curate and optimize travel packages based on customer insights, market trends, and competitor analysis.

Monitor category performance metrics such as revenue, margins, and conversion rates.

Collaborate with marketing, product, and operations teams to create promotions and high-conversion packages.

Stay ahead of market trends and anticipate customer preferences to maintain a competitive edge.

Operational Excellence & Integration

Ensure seamless integration of supplier services with B2B and B2C platforms.

Maintain accurate inventory, pricing, and package data.

Generate reports and insights to support strategic business decisions.

Qualifications & Skills

Education: Graduate in any field; preferably Tourism, Hospitality, or Business Management.

Experience: 23 years in sourcing, vendor management, or category management in travel, tourism, or OTA sectors.

Key Skills:

oStrong research, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities

oUnderstanding of OTA business models and travel package curation

oTech-savvy, quick to learn new tools and platforms

oAnalytical mindset with attention to detail and focus on revenue and customer satisfaction

Personality Traits:

oProactive, efficient, and entrepreneurial

oAmbitious with a long-term vision for category growth and supplier network expansion

oCreative problem-solver with ownership mentality

Why Join Us

Be part of the world's first halal tourism OTA and shape a global-first industry.

Opportunity to own supplier relationships and categories, directly impacting revenue and growth.

Fast-paced startup environment with international exposure and global supplier networks.

Competitive compensation with ESOPs and performance-based incentives, offering long-term upside.

Work with a passionate team committed to building authentic, high-quality travel experiences.

To Apply:

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and achievements to [Confidential Information]