At a Glance
- Tasks: Grow and nurture trade partnerships in the luxury travel sector across the UK and EMEA.
- Company: Join a leading luxury tour brand with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact by connecting travel advisors with unforgettable luxury experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in travel sales, strong relationship-building skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 will 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 will 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 in London 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships in London
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like V&C who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like V&C and give you a leg up for your Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships role at V&C.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships position at V&C.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of V&C.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to V&C's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Business Development Specialist – Trade Partnerships.
How to prepare for a job interview at V&C
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at V&C.
