FIT Sales Consultant in Cheltenham

Come and join one of the world’s leading luxury travel brands. A&K Travel Group is a dynamic collection of travel and cruise companies, including Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, and the world’s oldest travel agency, Cox & Kings. We create unique, immersive travel experiences worldwide. Our people make us a great place to work, fostering a supportive environment with ongoing training and global career opportunities. We also make a difference: Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy has supported communities for 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for exceptional client care during the pandemic.

ROLE PROFILE

• Position: Tailor Made Sales Consultant (up to Executive depending on experience or skills-set)
• Department: Tailor Made Journeys and/or Agency Sales
• Location: Cheltenham, but you may be required to work at such other location(s) as the Company may require
• Reports to: FIT Manager

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 the return to A&K again and again.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To design tailor-made FIT programmes for A&K sales offices or travel advisors, checking the feasibility of itineraries and making suggestions as appropriate.
• Meet or exceed set and agreed turnaround, sales, conversion and margin targets.
• To negotiate better hotel and land provider rates where possible.
• To cost each programme accurately, competitively and to the required level of quality within the agreed time frame whilst maintaining creativity, using the in-house reservations system.
• To actively follow up on all new business quoted until a definitive result is obtained.
• On confirmation, set up the file and ensure the reservation system is accurate before handing over to the operator.
• To actively investigate new products and opportunities to achieve greater sales to existing and new clients.
• To check, when requested, costings and itinerary content of programmes which have been set up by other team members.
• To check the final itinerary and Supplier Information Report before it is sent to all suppliers, as required.
• To build strong relationships with a global clientele of luxury travel industry professionals in order to encourage repeat business.

Financial

• To ensure appropriate terms are sent to clients and deposits taken.
• To create financial statements, including matters related to travel advisor commissions.
• To ensure that correct funds are received from a client by the agreed dates.

Quality Control / Customer Service

• To develop an itinerary which is operationally viable from the outset.
• To assist managers and operations staff in handling issues as they arise.
• To provide Quality Control information to the Manager/Supervisor as required.
• To proactively participate in, and provide training on destinations, products and procedures.

General

• To provide emergency mobile telephone service on a rota basis and provide all necessary information for the emergency file.
• General office duties such as answering telephone etc.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Manager/Supervisor.
• Provide guidance and assistance to members of staff in other European A&K DMC locations.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Desired Skills-Set

• 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 or annual bonus plan.
• 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.
• Private Healthcare through BUPA paid through a salary sacrifice deduction using our corporate rates – covers individual and family cover.
• Life Assurance (2x or 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.

EEO Statement

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