Area Sales Manager

Are you an experienced Agency Sales Manager / Business Development Manager within the Travel Industry? Do you have a proven track record nurturing and building trade partnerships? We have the role for you! We are working with a reputable London-based Tour Operator who is looking for an experienced field-based Business Development Manager to join their team!

You will be responsible for maximising the sales potential within your designated geographic territory by fostering and developing strong relationships with this company's retail agent partners, driving the company brands' USPs and awareness whilst identifying new B2B and B2C customers. With a passion for premium and luxury travel, you will effectively connect with your business partners, whilst confidently executing your sales plan and achieving passenger objectives/goals and sales targets.

As the success-driven Business Development Manager, you are the elegant, energetic ambassador of our brand values and ethos to the travel industry, to our consumer travellers and guests, and internal/external stakeholders.

The job:

• Develop and drive sales with core B2B accounts.
• Identify key B2B growth markets, categories and prospects that align with the company national marketing/sales objectives, travel agent specialists, professional associations, strategic media partners, digital/social influencers, affiliate marketing partners.
• Under the supervision of the sales department management, implement innovative sales and marketing plans with our respective guests in mind using customised approaches and strategies.
• Nurture and grow sales from the region with a key focus on the ringfenced 3rd party retail agent accounts.
• Strengthen relationships and achieve growth with key B2B accounts through regular contact and informative updates with respect to their productivity and progress through focused analyses of Salesforce data; offer assistance when appropriate to encourage achievement of goals set.
• Provide product training opportunities through regular trainings, client presentations, Travel Showcase inspiration presentations, product information sessions and ongoing website and e-Learning strategies; escort familiarisation trips for travel agents as required.
• Ensure that marketing collateral is utilised to its fullest potential; ensure that the brand has prominent placement in key B2B account agencies.
• Facilitate trade and consumer shows/events and participate where beneficial.
• Continually identify new shows/events that would add value.
• Stay abreast of competitor performance and positioning in designated territories and stay updated on the company trends within the industry.
• Provide feedback to the management team with respect to trends and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of sales activities in Salesforce daily; record trainings, appointments, tasks, customer feedback and other sales activities in a timely manner.
• Utilise Salesforce reports to provide useful information to B2B partners in regular sales calls and in regular e-mail communication.
• Attend and participate in national and international conferences where appropriate.
• Manage any applicable territory budget & joint marketing funds in the best cost-effective way, being mindful of established policies and ROI.
• Other duties as required and assigned.

Requirements:

• Experience within a Business Development / Partnership / Agency Sales role within the Travel Industry.
• Effective management to deliver ROI as demonstrated by sales growth.
• Proven knowledge and experience with the Premium and Luxury B2B markets, with innovative ideas on persuasive relationship building and sales development techniques.
• Familiarity, understanding and experience with social media and digital brand marketing.
• Ability to deliver effective presentations, engage as a trustworthy and nurturing individual, and represent the company professionally and with brand tonality at internal and external events.
• Able to target and achieve regional benchmarks in support of national and global growth objectives.
• Set personal goals, demonstrate positive and collaborative energy to opportunity, create a sense of responsiveness and urgency in others, and meet deadlines to achieve deliverables.

The package:

• Salary - £37,000 - £42,000 (dependant on experience) + uncapped commission scheme.
• Experience our premium products with familiarisation trips.
• 4 weeks' annual leave per year (excluding UK bank holidays) plus a bonus week if requirements are met.
• Ongoing career development opportunities.
• Highly engaged team and great company culture.

Interested? Please click APPLY or contact.