Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships

Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships

Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Grow and nurture luxury travel partnerships across the UK and EMEA.
  • Company: Join a leading luxury tour brand with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the luxury travel industry while building lasting relationships.
  • Qualifications: Experience in travel sales and strong relationship-building skills.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

V&C Associates have been retained to identify exceptional talent for one of the world’s leading luxury Tour brands. In this position, you’ll be at the forefront of growing and nurturing the brand’s trade partnerships across the UK and EMEA. Reporting jointly to the Vice President, Trade Sales UK & EMEA and the Sales Development Director, The Americas, you’ll bridge global collaboration with local expertise — driving engagement, building lasting relationships, and creating fresh ways for travel advisors to bring the brand’s journeys to life.

Responsibilities

  • Ignite Partner Growth – Manage a dynamic portfolio of travel agency partners, transforming small and emerging accounts into high-performing, loyal collaborators.
  • Expand Our Reach – Identify and onboard new trade partners, crafting bespoke action plans that make integration seamless and successful.
  • Collaborate Globally – Partner closely with teams in Miami, supporting inside sales functions such as brochure distribution, account setup, and trade agreements — ensuring every detail enhances the partner experience.
  • Bring Learning to Life – Design and deliver engaging events — from immersive educational trips to inspiring webinars and training days — that spark enthusiasm and drive confidence in selling luxury cruise experiences.
  • Reactivate and Reimagine – Reconnect with dormant accounts, creating tailored initiatives that reignite partnerships and unlock new revenue potential.
  • Spot New Opportunities – Use your market insight to identify growth areas, capture competitive advantages, and shape strategies that elevate the brand in the region.
  • Stay Insight-Driven – Track and forecast performance, sharing valuable insights that support smarter, data-informed decisions.
  • Be a True Collaborator – Work hand-in-hand with sales, marketing, and product teams to create a cohesive, engaging, and results-driven approach to trade success.

Requirements

  • A proven background in travel industry sales, ideally within the luxury or premium sector.
  • A strong network across UK & EMEA travel agencies and a natural flair for relationship-building.
  • A history of exceeding sales targets through innovation, persistence, and personal connection.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence to inspire others.
  • A proactive, self-motivated mindset coupled with a collaborative, team-first attitude.
  • Analytical acumen and creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Flexibility to travel across the region as needed.

Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships employer: V&C

V&C is an exceptional employer that values innovation and teamwork within the dynamic denim industry. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and creativity. Located in the UK, our team enjoys a vibrant work environment that fosters strong relationships and allows for impactful contributions to the brand's success.

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Contact Details:

V&C Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships

✨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 Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships at V&C, 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 V&C. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Adaptability
Compassion
Flexibility

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 V&C:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for V&C. 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 V&C

✨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 V&C 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 V&C 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 V&C’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.