Europe travel consultant

VACANCY

We are excited to be recruiting a Sales Consultant for our European Sales team, a position which offers excellent prospects in a rapidly growing and award-winning tour operator. Our key requirement is someone who is passionate about, and experienced in travelling in, Europe.

THE POSITION

We have a strong heritage in Europe given that the initial proposition of the company was The Big Short Break, which focused a lot on Europe. Key regions of interest include: Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France and Croatia. Detailed knowledge of the Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden would be a big benefit.

We are also interested in sales consultants who have experience or passion for product. As the sales team grows, there will be possibilities to take on product responsibilities for one or two countries within the region alongside the vast network of product experts in our parent company in France.

As a company, our goal is to offer detailed itineraries, organised by true specialists, and delivered with a service that is above and beyond that being offered by any competitor. We seek candidates who feel they can support this vision.

This position is a very hands-on role and the successful candidate will be passionate about Europe, be highly organised, driven, be an excellent communicator, and clearly understand our customers’ needs. Remuneration and its related package will include a competitive salary and a range of benefits befitting such a position. We are inviting applications both externally and internally. Candidates need not be UK citizens.

MAIN ROLES

Providing high standard of sales and service levels for clients interested in holidays to your region; looking to develop as quickly while at the same time setting the example for the support level team in the company; selling holidays to clients in the most effective combination of conversion, service, knowledge and margin production and ultimately playing your part in ensuring that your team surpasses its targets.

SPECIFICS

· Selling to clients via email, phone, letter and in person

· Producing, pricing and amending itineraries

· Generating bookings from new customers through all appropriate channels

· Maximising retention of existing customers

· Achieving and exceeding pre-set sales targets

· Overseeing your Service Team in the production of documentation for your clients

· Checking that welcome home packs have gone to your clients prior to their return

· Contacting clients on return, thanking them for booking with us, obtaining feedback and nurturing for next trip

· Expanding and developing existing product

· Maintaining and building relationships with suppliers and country tourist boards

· Researching and updating destinations, activity and hotel information

· Involvement in the product and pricing planning processes, including assisting purchasing team with the negotiation of improved supplier contracts

· The possibility of research trips

· Taking an active role in team meetings

· Participating in company events, sometimes outside office hours

· Supporting the marketing team with ideas for social media and PR requests

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

· Passion for, and demonstrable knowledge of European destinations

· Experience of working in a Europe travel sales role at the bespoke end of travel is a benefit but not required and we will consider people without travel sales experience. The key for us is passion and knowledge of the region

· Proven ability to deliver high quality results in a timely fashion

· Strong communication skills

· A personable manner

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

· The receipt of satisfactory references prior to the start date

· The completion of an initial three-month probationary period

· Contractual freedom to commence employment

· All applicants should be able to accept legal employment in the UK

BENEFITS

Competitive salary and a benefits package including:

o 23 days annual leave, increasing one day per full year of service up to 30 days

o Comprehensive bonus and incentive schemes

o Private medical insurance

o Enhanced contributory pension scheme

o Travel insurance

o Enhanced maternity policy

o Enhanced paternity policy

o Cycle to Work scheme

o Flexible working policy, including annual ‘workation’ (work from abroad) allowance

o Sabbatical option after five years of continuous service

o Regular social events and employee development initiatives