Business Development Manager (US Agents)

This tour operator/DMC champion unique, authentic adventures across the UK. With homegrown local wisdom and a genuine passion for exploration, their expert guides will show you the UK in all its glory. From Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds to Hadrians Wall or the Cornwall coast. From wild swimming in spots only the locals know to cultural tours of our iconic capital they are the go to supplier to immerse yourself in the UK’s culture and heritage.

The role...

In this role, you will support the sales team by developing their relationships with key Travel Agent partners and consortia for the purpose of developing and growing our agent relationships to generate additional sales. In addition, this role will be responsible for account management, driving overall sales performance and elevating Active England by sharing industry, sales, marketing, and product knowledge.

The person...

You will have experience working with US based IC's and affiliates with a network in place, good experience of leveraging that network for sales and maintaining long standing relationships. The successful candidate will be a natural relationship builder and somebody who takes pride in the product and service they represent. You will thrive in a face to face environment, carrying out trainings, attending trade shows & events.

Duties and Responsibilities...

• Educate travel agent network about all brands representing the company, raise awareness of our brand, company culture, features, and benefits of working together
• Raise awareness of destinations we sell and empower agents to sell these destinations proactively.
• Foster key relationships with Executive Teams at major accounts and consortia within the travel agent community
• Professionally represent the business at trade and agent events, provide leadership, instruction, and event management as needed.
• Prepare and deliver relevant, effective presentations and webinars.
• Make outbound calls to existing and new travel agent partners to drive sales and awareness.
• Work closely with the Product and Marketing teams to drive support and awareness of marketing initiatives, create travel agency incentives and promotions.
• Develop annual marketing plans for key sales partners alongside the Marketing team.
• Negotiate contracts with travel agency consortia.
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers to ensure long-term success.
• Act as the liaison between customers and internal teams ensuring clients’ requirements are met.
• Report monthly key account business to senior leadership.
• Report on a quarterly basis business for consortiums. Provide a monthly update to the reservations team, educating them on new and key accounts.
• Ensure brand consistency.
• Conduct internal and external training sessions to ensure consistency of brand messaging, ultimate product knowledge and differentiation of the company vs competition.
• Refer leads/customer service issues to the reservations manager and keep an open line of communication with reservations managers so they are aware of sales activity and calls to action for specific initiatives.
• Collect, analyse, and train team members on sales data and trends.

Role Requirements...

• Experience in managing outside sales in the travel industry, preferably with a luxury background in the North American market.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong sales aptitude with relentless drive for results.
• Demonstrated proficiency with relationship management (internal and external).
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Skilled listener that easily builds trust allowing for open and honest discussions with accounts and colleagues.
• Ability to master the business core offerings and communicate/educate on them effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, CMS, chat, and presentation platforms
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively
• Knowledge of and ability to work in a back-end reservations system

The small print...

Salary: £42k with commission / bonus structure taking it to £55K OTE

Location: Remote within the UK (office in Oxford if preferred)

25 days annual leave + bank holidays.