Business Development Manager / Sales Manager

Join Our Team at Wheels Up. At Wheels Up, we're proud to be a global leader in on-demand private aviation. As one of the largest companies in the industry and a strategic partner of Delta Air Lines, we are committed to making private air travel safe, reliable, and enjoyable. With a diverse fleet of owned aircraft plus a global network of trusted charter operators, we offer our customers access to the right aircraft for their needs and the ability to fly on their terms.

As Business Development Manager / Sales Manager, you are responsible for driving new client acquisition and overseeing the commercial and service experience for a defined book of business. You partner closely with the VP and Flight Services Managers (FSMs) to ensure customers receive a seamless, premium experience while maintaining accountability for growth, retention, and overall client satisfaction. This role serves as a key liaison for new clients and plays a strategic, client-facing role in identifying the right travel and client solutions.

This is an exciting time to join our company as we embark on an ambitious journey of growth and transformation. You’ll play a vital role in shaping our future, contributing directly to our continued success in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your impact is recognised and rewarded.

We pride ourselves on having a highly knowledgeable, market-leading team who bring expertise, innovation, and collaboration to everything we do. With strong support and performance-driven rewards, you’ll be joining a business where excellence is celebrated and your career can truly thrive. This role is hybrid based in our Gatwick office 2-3 days per week. Aviation Industry experience is not essential for this position and we are open to sales professionals from all backgrounds including: Real Estate, Recruitment, Business Development, B2B Sales, B2C Sales, Luxury Industry Sales, Yacht Charter, etc.

• Partner with VP to identify, qualify, and convert prospective clients through outreach, lead follow-up, and qualification of strong opportunities.
• Lead new client acquisition by identifying the appropriate customer and travel solutions aligned to client needs and usage patterns.
• Oversee a defined portfolio of client relationships with accountability for growth and retention.
• Act as the primary commercial and service liaison for new clients, ensuring smooth onboarding experience and clear handoff to FSMs.
• Collaborate closely with Flight Services Managers, who are responsible for trip sourcing, detailed quote preparation, pricing, aircraft options, and itineraries for existing customers.
• Maintain visibility into client communications and activity, stepping in as needed to support the relationship, address concerns, or reinforce the overall experience.
• Identify upselling and cross-sell opportunities and partner with VP to advance those opportunities.
• Prepare and present client proposals and recommend solutions based on client travel needs.
• Monitor client activity and proactively engage to drive repeat bookings, renewals, and deeper client engagement.
• Support resolution of service issues and irregular operations by coordinating the team and assisting with client communication when appropriate.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver consistent, premium client experience.
• Maintain accurate records and updates in the CRM to support team-based coverage and informed decision-making.

• 5+ years proven experience in outbound sales, business development, or lead generation.
• A natural hunter mentality – confident in cold outreach, prospecting, and opening new doors.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and develop long-term client partnerships.
• Excellent communication and persuasion skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong presentation skills - both virtual and in-person skills, are essential.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and driven to exceed targets and earn high rewards.
• Comfortable managing a full sales cycle from prospecting to closing.
• Highly organised with strong time management and pipeline management skills.
• Adaptable and coachable, with a willingness to learn quickly and continuously improve.

At Wheels Up, we believe in fair compensation based on experience, skills, and qualifications. The basic salary for this role is circa £65,000 + commission (realistic OTE of circa £125,000 in the first 3 years; depending upon individual performance) and is dependent on experience. We also offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and personal life, including:

• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Private Medical (option to add family at employee cost)
• Dedicated EAP
• Flexible Annual Leave (option to purchase additional up to a company maximum)
• A variety of additional programs and services in support of your total well-being.

Everyone is welcome here. Each of us is unique, and that’s what makes us amazing. We believe there’s power in bringing people with different backgrounds, points of view and life experiences together. So, bring yourself and your best ideas.

Wheels Up is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees. It is our policy to apply recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and professional development practices and make all other employment decisions without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

If you have a disability or are a disabled veteran and need assistance with applying, please reach out to us at hr@wheelsup.com. Simply include “Accommodation Request” in the subject line so we can quickly address your needs. We look forward to learning more about you and how you can contribute to the Wheels Up journey!