Sales Consultant (Part-time) in Ipswich

Benefits: AXA Health medical, Life Assurance, discounted holidays and cruises plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme.

Fred Olsen Travel was established in 1988 with family values at its heart and knowledgeable staff across the board. As one of the UK's most established travel companies, Fred. Olsen Travel provides outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our six distinct specialisms, covering land, river and sea to go along with the multiple high street travel agencies dotted around East Anglia and the South Coast. Fred. Olsen Travel is also the UK general sales agents for Star Clippers, Amadeus River Cruises and American Cruise Lines.

Our mission is to be a world class provider of travel products and services with a reputation for outstanding customer service, unrivalled choice, exceptional quality and value for money. We continue to go from strength to strength and are now in a position to recruit a highly motivated and dedicated Sales Consultant to join the Star Clippers team based in our new Ipswich Head Offices.

Star Clippers offers a cruise experience like no other. They offer an authentic adventure on the open seas that blends the romance and character of traditional sailing with the comfort and luxury of a modern cruise. Their small-ship voyages create a uniquely personal experience, offering the chance to meet like-minded travellers, discover extraordinary destinations, and, above all, enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

As a Sales Consultant, you'll be responsible for taking customers from their initial enquiry right through to booking, providing knowledgeable and friendly advice along the way. This is a part-time role offering 21 hours per week, with shifts varying between 9:00am-5:00pm and 9:30am-5:30pm. At least 1 in 4 Saturdays is required on a rota basis, with a day off in lieu provided when you work a Saturday. Hybrid working will be available after the successful training period.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Converting telephone and email enquiries into sales.
• Managing customer bookings from start to finish.
• Building strong relationships with customers and following up on individual enquiries.
• Meeting and contributing to sales targets.
• Identifying opportunities to enhance bookings with relevant add-ons and additional products.
• Accurately processing booking and financial information within our reservations system.
• Supporting customers who have already booked and helping with any questions or changes.
• Developing excellent knowledge of the Star Clippers product and current offers.
• Understanding pricing, calculations and business terms.
• Supporting shows, events and marketing activity when required.
• Participating in a rota for the emergency telephone.

We're looking for someone who combines excellent customer service with a genuine sales focus. You'll ideally have:

• Previous experience in a sales or customer service environment (travel sales experience would be beneficial).
• A confident, clear and friendly telephone manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and great attention to detail.
• The ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
• A proven ability to work towards and achieve sales targets.
• Good IT skills and experience using databases or reservations systems.
• Strong business awareness and an understanding of commercial objectives.
• A willingness to learn and develop excellent product knowledge.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and the ability to work as part of a rota.

A good general standard of education, including English and Maths is also required as well as previous travel experience. You'll be joining a team where customer service, teamwork and commercial success go hand in hand. We're looking for people who are ambitious, positive and keen to develop their skills while contributing to the future success of the business.

Our values are:

• Customer Driven: We strive to look through the lens of each customer to ensure we continuously put their needs and expectations at the heart of everything we do.
• Valuing Diversity: We believe differing views and experiences make us stronger. By working to create a representative and inclusive business, we can deliver the right solution to our customers in the right way.
• Investing in people: We believe that by continuously seeking to grow personally and professionally develop our people, we can improve our future today.
• Winning Together: We deliver our best outcomes and results when we all pull in the same direction, creating a positive team spirit where people feel valued, support each other and share in success together.
• Doing the right thing: We pride ourselves on doing what is right and building trust in every situation with our people, customers and community.

Fred. Olsen Travel offers a range of company benefits including AXA Health Insurance, Life Assurance, discounted holidays and cruises plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.