At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of sales processes using innovative AI-driven solutions.
- Company: Join Travelport, a leader in travel technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of travel sales and customer experiences.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years in Sales Excellence or related fields with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Travel obsessed? Big tech fan? Hey, you’re in good company. If you want to be part of the industry that makes the world go round, then look no further. Travelport is the brains behind lots of your travel bookings - plane, car or hotel. Our technology is used to book that magical holiday, long awaited bucket-list trip or overdue school reunion. While we can’t solve mosquito bites or lost luggage, we can simplify a lot of the technical parts of travel, and we’re looking for the best thinkers to help us do it.
As we evolve from a legacy GDS model to a modern, API-driven travel marketplace, we aim to dramatically improve the consistency, quality, and scalability of commercial disciplines and execution. This role will drive best-in-class improvements to the commercial operating system that will define our sellers’ future behaviours - how we sell, forecast, onboard customers, and drive adoption - reinforcing all with pragmatic GenAI tools that return bandwidth to sellers and reduce friction and increase speed of execution across the commercial workflow.
What You’ll Do:
- Conduct the innovation and modernization of sales and account management, with a strong focus on AI-driven solutions, automation, and self-service.
- Redesign processes and workflows to deliver seamless, efficient, and consistent customer experiences.
- Build and empower teams to adopt Sales-first ways of working, driving revenue growth, operational excellence and scalability.
- Champion the modernization of the sales role, using insights and analytics to guide innovation and journey optimization.
- Deliver measurable results in automation adoption, pipeline hygiene and quality, cost-to-serve, and productivity improvements.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve end-to-end sales processes across demand generation, sales execution, and renewal/expansion.
- Translate commercial strategy into operational playbooks, standards, and cadences that improve consistency and execution quality.
- Identify productivity bottlenecks and lead initiatives that improve win rates, sales cycle time, deal value, and forecasting accuracy.
- Partner with Sales Enablement to ensure training, tools, and playbooks reinforce best-in-class selling behaviours.
- Support onboarding and role evolution for SDRs, Account Directors, Account Managers, Business Development Managers, and Customer Success Managers.
- Build clear definitions of “what good looks like” across roles and stages of the sales cycle.
- Partner with Sales Operations to improve sales operational infrastructure (CRM, forecasting tools, CPQ if applicable).
- Ensure clean, reliable data to support pipeline health, performance management, and executive reporting.
- Deliver actionable insights that connect activity - outcomes - revenue results.
- Support cross-functional initiatives tied to revenue growth, retention, and customer expansion.
- Help align incentives, territories, coverage models, and capacity planning with business priorities.
- Champion continuous improvement, experimentation, and adoption of best practices.
- Influence without authority, driving alignment in a matrixed, global environment.
What We’re Looking For:
- 6 to 10 years of experience in Sales/Commercial Excellence, Sales Operations, Revenue Operations, Sales Transformation, or similar roles.
- Proven experience supporting sales teams in a SaaS, travel tech, or platform-based business.
- Track record of driving measurable sales productivity or revenue impact through operational initiatives.
- Experience working with scaled CRM and sales tech stacks (e.g., Dealbuilder, Oracle Sales Cloud, forecasting tools, GTM analytics).
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into practical recommendations.
- Deep understanding of sales motions, deal dynamics, and customer lifecycle management.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills; comfortable partnering with senior commercial leaders.
- Change leadership capability — able to bring people along, not just design the solution.
- Pragmatic problem-solver who balances rigor with speed.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and evolving organizations.
- Highly collaborative and outcomes-focused.
- Strong communicator who can simplify complexity.
Discover why our teams love working here:
Our benefits package includes: 25 days annual leave per annum, hybrid working model, pension contribution, private medical, life assurance and personal travel insurance.
Your journey at Travelport starts here. Our application process is quick, easy, and hassle-free — apply in just a few minutes! We are an equal opportunities employer and will consider all qualified applicants purely on their skills and abilities. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation, if needed.
Director of Sales Excellence in Saffron Walden employer: Travelport
Travelport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Langley, UK, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and a competitive benefits package, including a hybrid work model and bonus eligibility, we empower our team to thrive while shaping the future of travel technology. Join us to be part of a culture that values customer-centric solutions and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sales Excellence in Saffron Walden
✨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 Director of Sales Excellence at Travelport, 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 Travelport. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Director of Sales Excellence. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales Excellence in Saffron Walden
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 Travelport:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Travelport. 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 Travelport
✨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 Travelport 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 Travelport 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 Travelport’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.