At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver sales strategy across UK and Emerging Markets, driving growth and partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic company in the Travel, Cruise, and Leisure sectors with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, staff rates on ships, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a senior leadership role while shaping the future of the business.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior sales, strong commercial acumen, and proven team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Sales Director to lead and deliver our commercial strategy across the UK and Emerging Markets within EMEA. This is a senior leadership role with full ownership of regional sales performance across B2B and B2C, responsibility for key strategic partnerships, and a mandate to grow market share through both existing and new routes to market. You will act as a senior commercial leader and external ambassador for the business, working closely with executive stakeholders while leading and developing a high-performing regional sales team.
Key Responsibilities
- Own, develop, and deliver the sales strategy across the UK and Emerging Markets (B2B & B2C)
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing regional sales team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with strategic partners, agencies, and distribution networks across the region
- Drive effective budget management, forecasting, and ROI optimisation with key partners
- Identify and develop new market opportunities, partnerships, and routes to market to expand regional footprint
- Work closely with Marketing, Revenue Management, and Product teams to ensure aligned go-to-market execution
- Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and partner forums across the UK and EMEA
- Act as a subject-matter expert internally, anticipating market, commercial, and regulatory challenges and recommending improvements to processes, products, or services
Leadership & Impact
- Operate with significant autonomy, setting goals and determining approaches to critical commercial initiatives
- Lead cross-functional and department-level projects
- Influence senior internal and external stakeholders on matters of strategic importance
- Make decisions with a direct and material impact on company performance, revenue, and long-term growth
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to operate credibly at executive level
- Proven senior sales leadership experience within Travel, Cruise, Hospitality, or Leisure
- Strong commercial acumen, including contract negotiation, pricing strategy, and margin management
- Data-driven mindset, confident using insights and analytics to guide strategy and decision-making
- Inspirational people leader with a track record of building, coaching, and retaining high-performing teams
- Strategic thinker able to translate vision into clear, executable sales plans
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, changing environment with a hands-on leadership approach
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree-educated or equivalent relevant experience
- 10+ years' experience in a senior sales or commercial environment
- Demonstrable experience leading and scaling sales teams
- Experience working across international businesses and markets
- Existing B2B relationships and sector connections highly advantageous
- Experience within Cruise, Travel, or Leisure sectors desirable
- Strong experience using Power BI or similar tools to review and drive performance
- Knowledge of Salesforce CRM desirable but not essential
Personal Attributes
- Results-driven with a balanced mid- to long-term strategic outlook
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Able to shape departmental strategy and align operational goals accordingly
- Encourages collaboration across teams and with external stakeholders
- Motivates others through clear goal-setting and continuous feedback
What we offer
- A dynamic and inclusive work environment where your ideas are valued
- Opportunities for professional and personal development
- Staff rates on our ships for you and your family
- Hybrid working arrangements, minimum 2 days in the office to support work-life balance
- A competitive benefits package
Sales Director, UK & Emerging Markets employer: Hurtigruten
Join a dynamic and inclusive work environment as a Sales Director, where your leadership will drive our commercial strategy across the UK and Emerging Markets. We offer exceptional opportunities for professional growth, a competitive benefits package, and the chance to work with a high-performing team that values collaboration and innovation. With hybrid working arrangements and staff rates on our ships for you and your family, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director, UK & Emerging Markets
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Sales Director, UK & Emerging Markets at Hurtigruten, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Hurtigruten. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director, UK & Emerging Markets. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director, UK & Emerging Markets
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Hurtigruten:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Hurtigruten. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hurtigruten
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Hurtigruten that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Hurtigruten that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Hurtigruten’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
