At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new client relationships and revenue growth in the travel industry.
- Company: Join Skift, the leading business intelligence company in travel.
- Benefits: Competitive compensation, remote-friendly environment, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of executive recruitment in a dynamic travel ecosystem.
- Qualifications: Five years in travel recruitment with a focus on Tech and Operations.
- Other info: Work remotely with a diverse, global team committed to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Skift
Skift is the leading business intelligence and media company in travel, providing news, research, and events that power smarter decisions across the global travel industry. We bring together our community of subscribers, members, and event attendees who rely on Skift for clarity, insights, and connection in an ever-evolving industry.
Why This Role Matters
Skift Exec Search is our executive recruitment arm dedicated to identifying and placing outstanding leadership talent across the travel ecosystem. The practice was established in early 2024, since then we have multiple successful executive placements completed and have built the foundation from which we can grow. This role will help us dive deeper into certain travel verticals and take on searches in areas that we currently don’t operate. We are looking for someone that can help us shape the business as we move forward, especially as the Exec search landscape evolves.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a high-performing Senior Consultant, Business Development to drive new client relationships and revenue growth for Skift Exec Search. This role is ideally suited for someone with a proven track record in travel industry recruitment, particularly in Tech and Operations hiring, who has sold and delivered retained executive search work, especially at VP level and above. You’ll be both a hunter and a builder: identifying new opportunities, shaping proposals and commercial engagements, and partnering with delivery teams to ensure exceptional client outcomes. This role is location-flexible, with a preference for candidates based in Europe or the United States.
Some Of What You’ll Do
- Business Development & Client Engagement: Lead go-to-market growth for Skift Exec Search by identifying, qualifying, and winning new search mandates across the global travel industry.
- Build and maintain strong executive relationships with C-suite and senior leadership in travel, technology, and operations functions.
- Sell and manage retained executive search assignments, with a focus on VP-level and above roles.
- Lead pitch development, proposals, commercial negotiations, and deal closures.
- Join us at our industry events and wider travel industry conferences to continually engage with our clients and candidates.
- Thought Leadership & Market Intelligence: Act as a trusted advisor and industry expert on recruitment trends, talent challenges, and organizational needs within the travel ecosystem.
- Collaborate across Skift teams to leverage insights, data, and research that differentiate our executive search value proposition.
- Collaboration & Delivery: Work closely with consultants and researchers to translate business development momentum into successful, high-quality search delivery.
- Contribute to refining Skift Exec Search offerings, service frameworks, client engagement processes, and go-to-market strategies.
What You’ll Bring
- A minimum of five years of experience in travel industry recruitment, with a demonstrated network and background in executive search or specialized recruitment for Tech and Operations roles preferred.
- Proven success selling and executing retained search work, especially at VP+ level roles.
- Demonstrable track record of building and managing client pipelines, closing new business, and cultivating long-term partnerships.
- Experience partnering with leadership teams and working across global, remote stakeholders.
How You Work
- Exceptional communicator - confident with senior executives and persuasive in commercial discussions.
- Strategic thinker with a blend of consultative selling skills and practical execution capability.
- Self-starter who thrives in a remote, collaborative, goal-oriented environment.
- High emotional intelligence, cultural agility, and the ability to work across diverse geographies and teams.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to grow within a respected and innovative media company.
- Exposure to the intersection of media, events, and travel intelligence.
- Collaborative, supportive, and remote-friendly work environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
How We Work
Skift is a remote-first, globally distributed company. We work asynchronously, value clear communication, and rely on strong documentation and follow-through to stay aligned across time zones.
How To Apply
If this role sounds like a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter through our application system. The cover letter is an opportunity to share why you’re interested in this role and how your experience aligns with our work—we value thoughtful applications.
Skift is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of travelers around the world. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from other underrepresented communities.
Here’s What You Can Expect Next
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Skift team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect.
Senior Consultant/Manager, Business Development, Skift Exec Search employer: Skift Inc.
Contact Detail:
Skift Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant/Manager, Business Development, Skift Exec Search
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential clients and candidates. Building relationships in person can give you an edge over others.
✨Tip Number 2
Be a thought leader! Share your insights on recruitment trends and challenges in the travel industry. This not only showcases your expertise but also attracts attention from C-suite executives.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up! After meetings or networking events, send a quick message to keep the conversation going. It shows you're interested and keeps you top of mind for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Skift team and contributing to our growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant/Manager, Business Development, Skift Exec Search
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express why you're excited about the role and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Tailor Your Resume: Don’t just send a generic resume! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in travel industry recruitment, especially in Tech and Operations. Show us how you've successfully sold and executed retained search work at the VP level and above.
Showcase Your Achievements: We love numbers! When detailing your past roles, include specific achievements and metrics that demonstrate your success in business development and client engagement. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skift Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Skift's mission and recent developments in the travel industry. Familiarise yourself with their executive search practice and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in Tech and Operations recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections within the travel ecosystem, particularly with C-suite executives. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've built and maintained these relationships, as this role heavily relies on strong executive engagement.
✨Prepare for Commercial Conversations
Since you'll be involved in pitch development and negotiations, practice articulating your value proposition clearly. Think about how you can demonstrate your consultative selling skills and provide examples of successful deals you've closed in the past.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with delivery teams to ensure high-quality outcomes in previous roles.