Sales Consultant in Cheltenham

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: Using the client brief and subsequent qualifying process this role involves building and pricing creative luxury tailor-made programs for travel across Europe. The Consultant will be responsible for achieving sales and margin goals, along with designing programs which are operationally sound. Ultimately the aim is to exceed expectations of our guests, sales offices and travel advisors so they return to A&K.

Responsibilities:

• Design bespoke FIT (Fully Independent Traveller) programmes for A&K sales offices or travel advisors, ensuring feasibility, operational viability, and offering expert suggestions as needed.
• Accurately and competitively cost each itinerary using the in-house reservations system, maintaining creativity and high quality within agreed timelines.
• Negotiate improved rates with hotels and land providers wherever possible.
• Meet or exceed agreed targets for turnaround times, sales, conversion rates, and profit margins.
• Proactively follow up on all quotes until a definitive outcome is confirmed.
• On confirmation, create and set up booking files, ensuring accuracy in the reservation system before handing over to operations.
• Review and check costings, itineraries, and Supplier Information Reports, both for personal bookings and those prepared by colleagues, when required.
• Build strong relationships with a global network of luxury travel professionals to encourage repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Explore new products, destinations, and opportunities to grow sales among existing and new clients.
• Ensure correct terms are communicated to clients, deposits are collected, and all payments are received on time.
• Prepare financial documentation, including travel advisor commission details.
• Support managers and operations teams in resolving client or booking issues as they arise.
• Share Quality Control feedback with managers and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Take part in and deliver training on destinations, products, and internal procedures.

About You:

• A confident, positive attitude
• Strong spoken and written communication skills. A second European language is advantageous
• A good level of geographical and general knowledge of Europe is advantageous
• Up-to-date knowledge of Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel
• A natural affinity for sales and (over) achieving goals
• A real passion for travel
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Attention to detail
• A willingness to develop relationships with clients
• Good and effective time management

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary plus commission
• 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 (2x 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

If you would like to learn more about the position, please email careers@abercrombiekent.co.uk.

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.

EEO Statement: Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.