This company has been providing market-leading holidays for more than 40 years. They are true rail holiday specialists and no other company offers a better choice of inclusive holidays by rail than they do. They are absolutely committed to ensuring every holiday meets and exceeds expectations and as a result their valued customers travel with them year after year. They currently have an exciting opportunity as a Business Development Manager.
Working within the Trade Sales Team the role will build and maintain the company’s strong reputation, with Travel Agents, as a leading escorted tour holiday provider, ensuring the premium product position is reflected in our practices with agents.
The Role:
A key part of this role is about finding new business whilst growing existing business and building strong commercial relationships;
To develop an effective annual sales activity plan
Regular contact & meetings with key accounts to maintain strong relationships and to provide product updates and plan activity to increase sales
Seek out opportunities to attend Managers meetings, training sessions to educate agents on the range and quality of the products
Implement Commercial and Agency Agreements
Build marketing plans with your key accounts and participate in relevant trade shows, conferences, consumer shows
Visit targeted travel agencies to promote the company and its products
Provide support for your fellow team members, sharing best practice and making introductions as appropriate to ensure overall team success
Continuous analysis of sales area and key agents sales performance taking action to improve results where necessary
Encourage all agents to join Social Media channels, whilst engaging in regular social media activity on our trade pages
Keep up to date with all aspects of company products
Build relationships internally with relevant staff and communicate to line management ideas for improvement
Continual development and improvement of professional and technical skills and competences required for the role
The Candidate:
Proven work history and experience of working in a similar role in travel sales, with experience of managing Key Accounts for a Tour Operator
Excellent organisational skills
Proven commercial acumen
Proven experience of working in a competitive sales and customer service environment and delivering to deadlines and targets
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
The capacity to be influential and amenable with a positive attitude
Strong negotiation and influencing skills
Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages Windows / Outlook / Excel /PowerPoint and social media
Able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
Accuracy and attention to detail with strong administrative skills
This role requires regular visits to the York Head Office to attend Sales Meetings and frequent travel to visit agents, attend conferences and trade events.