Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland
Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland

Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland

Sunderland Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the commercial team and negotiate deals with suppliers to boost sales.
  • Company: Join Hays Travel, the UK's largest independent travel agency with over 40 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy team nights out, educational trips, and discounts on your own holidays.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while working in a fun, supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in travel, strong commercial skills, and a passion for customer service.
  • Other info: Be part of a culture that values innovation, motivation, and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

As the UKs largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel specialises in providing good value, quality holidays alongside excellent customer service. We work with all leading suppliers and can package holidays that include hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. We have over 470 Branches throughout the UK and our Head Office based in Sunderland, is home to tour operator teams, finance, marketing, people/HR and IT, plus many more. We have been operating for over 40 years, and continue to grow each year.
Cruise is a successful and award-winning travel agency specialising in Cruise holidays. Our award-winning brand provide expert service and exceptional cruise holidays to locations around the world.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a Commercial Manager Cruise with over three years of experience in the travel industry, particularly within the cruise sector. We are looking for someone who not only understands the commercial arena but also brings fresh ideas and solutions to the table. You will be deeply involved in the travel industry, with a strong understanding of the cruise market, and will play a key role in shaping our commercial efforts.
Managing and developing the commercial team – joining our growing team at this exciting time offers a unique chance to make a significant impact within the company.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Negotiate commercial terms with suppliers to ensure guaranteed overrides, targeted overrides, marketing funds, tactical offers/exclusives, and staff incentives are negotiated and communicated where appropriate.
  • Understand trading performance, opportunities and improvements,
  • Agree specific actions to meet customer demand and supplier requirements
  • Negotiate the best prices & most exclusive deals
  • Be the first to market with campaigns, launches and new products,
  • Maximise overall sales throughout the group by identifying product that would be suitable to market, with the support from the suppliers.
  • Meet with suppliers to build and maintain supplier relationships.
  • Hold weekly market trend discussions with suppliers and effectively communicate market position to line manager.
  • Support relationship management with the Sales, Product, and Marketing departments to ensure funding opportunities from suppliers are maximised for personal and department KPIs to be achieved.
  • Raise sponsorship funds from suppliers for Hays and Independence Group Conferences.
  • Deal with branch queries for suppliers such as commission, price matches, errors, and general queries and use problem-solving skills to bring to resolution.
  • Continual review of all internal processes and procedures, ensuring agreed departmental processes and procedure documents are maintained.
  • Gain full understanding of the different trading divisions within the group and their working practices.
  • Schedule and complete one-to-one sessions and appraisals for direct reports in line with company policy. Provide necessary feedback to manager.
  • Support the management of the day-to-day operation of the department.
  • Providing exceptional customer service at all times.
  • Willingness to participate in and deliver training appropriate to own development.
  • Effectively perform administrative duties.
  • Participate in ad-hoc duties or prepare ad-hoc information where required.
Technical Skills Required:
  • IT software packages including Microsoft Office and Outlook as well as in-house systems & reporting tools.
  • File management skills.
  • Web navigation skills.
  • E-mail management skills.
Qualifications/Experience Required:
  • Previous travel industry experience ideally within a commercial role.
  • Excellent travel product knowledge.
Competencies Required:
  • Excellent communication, persuasive negotiation, and influencing skills.
  • Highly motivated, confident, and committed.
  • Upbeat, enthusiastic, and positive attitude with a commitment to contribute to the growth of the business.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Relationship management.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • A real passion for delivering consistent, exceptional customer service.
  • Results-focused.
  • Strong commercial skills and awareness.
  • Well-organised and able to manage a range of responsibilities, prioritising tasks as required.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to liaise with all levels of staff from branch level to Director.
  • Excellent knowledge of the travel industry.
  • Ability to work towards individual and team sales targets.
  • Good accuracy and numerical skills.
General:
  • To undertake any other duties that may fall into the job criteria.
  • To conform with all company policies and procedures including Health and Safety.
  • To treat all employees, customers, and suppliers with dignity and respect.
  • This job description is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the post but simply reflects the key areas involved.
About Us

As the UKs largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel specialise in providing good value, quality holidays alongside excellent customer service. We work with all leading suppliers and can package holidays that include hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. We have over 470 Branches throughout the UK and our Head Office based in Sunderland, is home to tour operator teams, finance, marketing, people/HR and IT, plus many more. We have been operating for over 40 years, and continue to grow each year.
Our values

Our SMILE values are embedded in to our Company and ensures our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.
  • Supportive
  • Motivational
  • Innovative
  • Loyal
  • Excellent
What its like to work for us?

Whichever location or department you work in, our people are always at the heart of everything we do. We offer a range of training programmes to help you progress personally and professionally, as we know the benefits of promoting and rewarding our hardworking colleagues are extremely important.
Of course, it\’s not all about work, we\’re very sociable and there are always lots of team nights-out and company parties. Plus, there are opportunities to travel abroad on educational trips, and you can also take advantage of our colleague discount when booking your own holidays.
Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices?for relevant roles

Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland employer: Hays Travel Ltd.

At Hays Travel, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest independent travel agency, offering a vibrant work culture in our Sunderland Head Office where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Cruise Commercial Manager, you'll benefit from extensive training programs, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a supportive team environment that values your contributions. Enjoy unique perks like educational travel opportunities and exclusive discounts on holidays, all while being part of a company that has been dedicated to exceptional customer service for over 40 years.
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Contact Detail:

Hays Travel Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the cruise industry. Understanding current market dynamics and customer preferences will help you stand out during discussions with potential employers.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the travel and cruise sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to job openings.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and successes in previous roles. Being able to articulate how you've successfully negotiated terms with suppliers will demonstrate your value as a Commercial Manager.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your passion for travel and customer service during interviews. Employers like Hays Travel are looking for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine enthusiasm for the industry.

We think you need these skills to ace Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland

Commercial Awareness
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Market Analysis
Sales Strategy Development
Customer Service Excellence
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management
Travel Industry Knowledge
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Analysis
Organizational Skills
IT Proficiency (Microsoft Office, Reporting Tools)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the travel industry, especially within the cruise sector. Emphasize your commercial skills and any relevant achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the travel industry and your understanding of the cruise market. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated commercial terms or improved sales in previous roles.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of successful stakeholder engagement or team collaboration.

Highlight Your Customer Service Experience: Given the emphasis on exceptional customer service, include any relevant experiences where you have gone above and beyond to meet customer needs. This will demonstrate your commitment to delivering quality service, which aligns with Hays Travel's values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Travel Ltd.

✨Show Your Cruise Knowledge

Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of the cruise market. Be prepared to discuss recent trends, popular destinations, and any new cruise lines or ships that have launched. This will demonstrate your passion for the industry and your ability to contribute fresh ideas.

✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills

Since the role involves negotiating commercial terms with suppliers, be ready to share specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved to showcase your persuasive negotiation skills.

✨Emphasize Team Collaboration

The job requires strong relationship management and teamwork skills. Prepare to talk about how you've effectively collaborated with different departments in previous roles, particularly in achieving common goals and maximizing funding opportunities.

✨Demonstrate Customer Service Commitment

Exceptional customer service is a key value for the company. Be ready to provide examples of how you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction in your previous roles, and express your commitment to maintaining high standards in this area.

Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland
Hays Travel Ltd.
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  • Cruise Commercial Manager in Sunderland

    Sunderland
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-18

  • H

    Hays Travel Ltd.

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