Sales Manager

Come and join one of the world’s leading luxury travel brands.

60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded A&K, we’re still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. Whichever role you join us in, whether customer facing or behind the scenes, everyone has their part to play in creating one-of-a-kind journeys that go beyond our clients’ high expectations.

With 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe, we offer adventures that can’t be experienced with any other tour provider. Working with a team of passionate and knowledgeable people, you’ll be able to open doors to private palaces, book Michelin-starred meals in the most remote locations and arrange out-of-hours museum tours. There’s always a buzz in the office about the latest ways we’ve gone the extra mile.

PURPOSE: To drive sales growth by delivering excellent customer service and optimising the conversion rate from enquires to bookings. This role will focus on team leadership through sales coaching, motivation, and leading by example. The Sales Manager will have a team of Sales Consultants that they will need to empower to achieve targets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cultivate a collaborative and competitive environment where everyone thrives. Recognise and reward top performers, inspiring excellence across the board.
• Implement innovative incentives and team-building activities to keep your team motivated and hungry for success. Foster a positive and growth-oriented mindset.
• Set ambitious yet achievable targets aligned with the business budgets to push each team member to their full potential.
• Utilise situational leadership to tailor your approach to each team member's needs, maximising their development from new recruits to high performers through regular call listening and structured one to ones.
• Proactively manage team resources, considering holidays, training, and onboarding, to guarantee sufficient staff for handling enquiry volume.
• Continuously assess team member capacity to distribute enquiries effectively and prevent overloading.
• Cultivate a culture where continuous learning and development are valued.
• Embed a culture where exceeding client expectations and going the extra mile are standard practice.
• Work closely with consultants, sales coordinators and operations to ensure timely invoice delivery and a smooth client experience.
• Take ownership of handling operational and emergency situations within your region, which may involve some out-of-hours work.
• Proactively engage with other managers throughout the company to promote knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Collaborate with Regional Product Managers/Executives on commercial and marketing initiatives, aligning on team goals.

ABOUT YOU:

• Consistent high performer with a history of exceeding sales targets and achieving outstanding customer service.
• Sales team leader/management experience is a strong plus.
• Passionate about the travel industry and a strong appreciation for the specific area of specialisation.
• Confident communicator who thrives under pressure and maintains composure in challenging situations.
• Positive, energetic, and outgoing individual comfortable leading others with inspiration and encouragement.
• Proven track record within travel sales and a strong understanding of commercial aspects. Deeply interested in A&Ks strategy and how their role contributes to our overall success.
• Motivated by achieving results through your team and comfortable negotiating with suppliers.
• Excellent understanding of customer service and the needs of our clients. Committed to exceeding expectations.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary plus annual bonus
• Company pension plan from start of employment, with employer contributions increasing after 5 and 10 years of service
• 25 days annual leave – in addition to bank holidays, plus the ability to buy an additional 5 days or sell 5 days
• Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family)
• Discounted Gym Membership – we offer a contribution of up to £35 a month at either Virgin Active Gym (London) or to other gyms through GymFlex.
• Life Assurance (4x base salary paid out as a tax-free sum)
• Hybrid working – we value collaboration and ask employees to come to the office for a minimum of 4 days per week
• Enhanced Paid Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay regardless of gender
• Employee Assistance Program – includes access to wellbeing resources and counselling
• £1,000 Recruitment Referral Bonus
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season Ticket Loans
• Regular Social Events

Why work for A&K

What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It’s our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K. There will also be ongoing training and the opportunity to progress your career – not just in the UK, but as part of our global business.

We’re also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for looking after our clients during the pandemic.