Acct. Manager, Member Relations - UK & Ireland in London

Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 2,500 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Annual sales of (U.S.) $35 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry.

The Account Manager, Member Relations – UK & Ireland, has overall responsibility for supporting departmental goals in their region for Virtuoso Member Agency engagement with Virtuoso products and services and preferred supplier production. This will be accomplished through partnership with Member owners and managers, developing the front-line advisors’ sales skills, product focus, marketing initiatives and sales activities to achieve sales goals with preferred suppliers. The Account Manager will work cross functionally with employees across the company to deliver a range of products and services from Virtuoso.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Understanding of UKI regional Business Plan and budget: Identifies strategic growth and service needs for Members in the market.
• Outlines key needs to customize Virtuoso for regional Member needs.
• Delivery of key performance metrics as outlined in the Business plan.
• Effective governance of Virtuoso OM communication programs and PD programs.
• Assist with marketing program utilization.
• Participate in the execution of UKI and Global Virtuoso events.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Attend and participate in member conferences, meetings, and education programs.
• Stay abreast of the competitor’s information and stay updated on trends within the industry.
• Provide feedback to the management team with respect to critical matters.
• Assist in ensuring that all production reports are accurate.
• Maintain an up-to-date Communications and Account Plan.
• Maintain relationship with agency owners, managers, and frontline advisors both personally and with help of UKI team to maximize the value of the Virtuoso Network for Members, as well as sales growth for the company.
• Actively engage members through meetings and events, interactive sessions, and in-person calls.
• Oversight of overall support and services for operational Member needs.
• Demonstrate to existing members how the company’s programs can address their business needs.
• Support preferred supplier and partner sales.
• Support Virtuoso Members in selling preferred suppliers through a variety of methods, including training/awareness, shared reporting, and advocacy.
• Support Virtuoso’s global efforts for supplier partnerships with local-level marketing and partnerships in coordination with Global Product Partnerships team.
• Execute regional meetings, in-market meetings, events, road shows, and management visits as required.
• Develop or coordinate operational processes and data flows related to CRM and other reporting systems.
• Champion Member needs for the market within the Virtuoso organization.
• Work with internal departments to develop/implement customized programs/services for member agencies.
• Aides company in overall transition to global-centric company.
• Lead new Member and new Advisors recruitment to meet regional growth and service goals.

Educational and Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field highly desirable.
• 4+ years of experience in account management or related experience.
• 4+ years of travel industry experience.
• Strong leadership ability.
• Proven and effective contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and problem solve in a deadline driven environment.
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Outlook.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally as needed to support Members and company objectives.

Travel Requirements:

Travel is required, approximately 35%+ of time visiting members, attending events, conferences, and team meetings. Travel will be primarily domestic but may include some international.

Type/Nature of Contacts:

External: Daily contact with vendors, CEOs, senior/executive management, agency owners and national account managers, marketing teams, and regional salespeople. Internal: Daily contact with Virtuoso staff in all departments.