Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts
Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts

Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts

Belfast Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
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Abbey Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales growth in the North American travel market and build strong client relationships.
  • Company: Join a leading Destination Management Company with a vibrant culture and a focus on growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, generous leave, and a supportive learning environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team making waves in the travel industry.
  • Qualifications: Proven sales experience in DMC or travel agency roles, especially in the US market.
  • Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career advancement in a dynamic sector.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

THE COMPANY

The Abbey Group is a long-established Destination Management company with offices in Dublin and Edinburgh and a remote team in London.With a turnover of €115 million in 2024, specialising in B2B sales to the international travel trade in both ad-hoc and special interest groups and FIT through Abbey The Destination Experts Ireland and UK and Moloney & Kelly Ireland & UK, which specialises in the luxury sector. We are a fast-growing Destination Management Company.

The Abbey Group has five divisions specialising in specific types of inbound tourism:

  • Group Travel
  • Individual & Online Travel
  • Incentive & Luxury Leisure Travel
  • Conferences
  • Events

Due to the ongoing expansion and strategic focus on our Leisure groups and FIT growth from North America, we are looking to recruit an ambitious, results-driven, travel industry professional for the role of Sales Manager for North America.

JOB TITLE:

Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts

London (fully remote, regular travel to Edinburgh office)

ROLE OVERVIEW

An experienced commercial Sales Manager with good knowledge and experience of the Group and FIT markets inbound to the UK and Ireland. This role will focus on market research and field sales with an estimated six trips annually to the US and Canada to attend trade shows and sales meetings with clients in their offices. The successful candidate should be an experienced travel industry professional specialising in the inbound DMC marketplace and have a proven sales and business/client development track record. Ideally, the candidate would have an equal working knowledge of the UK and Ireland. The role is Edinburgh or London based. To note in Edinburgh a hybrid working policy is in place (3 days office/2 days remote). London based staff are fully remote with regular travel to our Edinburgh office.

The role encompasses field sales work for both new business and developing existing business, with a focus on the group and FIT travel sector. However, it will be expected that sales meetings cover both destinations and all disciplines (FIT/Groups/M&K).

The role will focus on meeting Abbey group growth KPIs and will be focused on, but not exclusive to, Leisure Groups and FIT.

The role requires experience in DMC/Tour Operator/Agency sales or similar in the US source market.

CORE DUTIES INCLUDE:

  • Research and identify potential target clients for the Abbey Group and initiate relationships with those potential new clients.
  • Planning of circa 6 annual sales trips to NA including identification of new leads and growth opportunities with existing clients.
  • On-the-ground B2B field sales targeting North America clients.
  • Research and qualification of leads and execution of sales calls and follow-up to drive inbound business for the Abbey Group
  • Working to specified KPI targets to deliver growth for the Abbey group
  • Reporting to the Director of Leisure Sales – North America & Long Haul, as directed liaise with product teams to ensure distribution of new products in sales material relevant to sales targets and meetings.
  • Working with the product teams in UK and IRE to feedback on product initiatives and ensure we are responding to client feedback and market needs in product innovation for the UK and Ireland.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations as directed by the Director of Leisure Sales NA/LH
  • Full utilisation of CRM system to log all sales calls and actions and in trip preparation.
  • Attending trade shows and destination forums and undertake sales trips in the source market as directed.
  • Providing market intelligence to internal stakeholders and the UK and IRE Managing Directors.
  • International travel will be required in compliance with the company’s Business Travel Policy.

WHY WORK FOR US

  • Deloitte Best Managed company for 16 consecutive years
  • The Abbey Group is proudly certified as A Great Place To Work UK & A Great Place to Work Ireland
  • Hybrid/blended working option available
  • Up to 60 days per year remote working abroad
  • Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
  • Discretionary flexible benefit contribution towards pension or health care plan
  • Learning and development opportunities – individual training budget per year
  • Employee Assistance Programme – health & wellbeing support
  • A paid day off on your birthday & an additional paid day off over the Christmas period
  • Active Social Committee and Green Team including events throughout the year

ESSENTIAL: Experience in DMC/Tour Operator/Agency sales or similar in the US source market.

REPORTING TO: Director of Leisure Sales, North America & Long Haul, Abbey The Destination Experts

LOCATION: Shandwick House, 67 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh (hybrid) or London (fully remote with with regular travel to our Edinburgh office.

DEADLINE: 30 October 2025

The Abbey Group are committed to offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion, or disability. Our hiring process includes unbiased job postings and objective evaluation criteria. We ensure equal opportunities for promotions, providing all employees with a fair chance to progress in their careers. We fully comply with UK equality laws and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination in the workplace.

Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts employer: Abbey Group

The Abbey Group is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Deloitte Best Managed company for 16 consecutive years and certified as A Great Place To Work in both the UK and Ireland. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer hybrid working options, generous remote working allowances, and a commitment to health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Our vibrant work culture, supported by an active Social Committee and Green Team, ensures that employees not only thrive professionally but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
Abbey Group

Contact Detail:

Abbey Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meetups to connect with potential clients and other professionals. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Sales Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Do your homework! Research the Abbey Group and its competitors thoroughly. Understanding their offerings and market position will help you tailor your pitch and show you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by rehearsing common questions and crafting compelling stories about your past successes in sales. This will help you come across as confident and capable.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Abbey Group and ready to contribute to our growth.

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts

B2B Sales
Market Research
Field Sales
Client Relationship Management
Sales Presentations
KPI Target Achievement
Lead Qualification
Inbound Business Development
Travel Industry Knowledge
DMC/Tour Operator Experience
Product Innovation Feedback
CRM System Utilisation
International Travel Compliance
Networking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Travel: When writing your application, let your love for the travel industry shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge about inbound tourism, especially in the UK and Ireland.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sales Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in DMC/Tour Operator/Agency sales, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with our goals at Abbey The Destination Experts.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key skills and experiences. We appreciate clarity and brevity!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Abbey Group

✨Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the North American travel market. Understand the trends, key players, and what makes Abbey The Destination Experts stand out. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Sales Success

Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, especially in the DMC or travel sector. Use metrics to highlight your success, like percentage growth in sales or number of new clients acquired. This will demonstrate your results-driven approach.

✨Prepare for Role-Specific Questions

Anticipate questions related to field sales strategies, client relationship management, and how you would meet KPIs. Think about how you would approach planning those six annual sales trips and what tactics you’d use to engage potential clients.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges in the North American market or how they envision the future of inbound tourism. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in contributing to their success.

Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts
Abbey Group
Location: Belfast
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