Business Development Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Develop, maintain, and service a designated portfolio of travel agency accounts in the Houston area and surrounding regions of South Texas.

• Cultivate and enhance relationships with travel agencies within the designated territory.

• Design and execute local and national marketing and promotional initiatives to meet sales objectives for the territory.

• Formulate marketing plans, strategies, and initiatives aimed at driving revenue growth for agencies.

• Research and identify new revenue opportunities within the assigned accounts.

• Create and implement marketing concepts and sales strategies to foster travel agency growth.

• Address travel agency concerns by leveraging product and service knowledge, collaborating with headquarters' sales teams.

• Plan, design, and execute annual sales and marketing strategies for top-performing accounts, covering both FIT and Group business.

• Review sales strategies, accounts, promotional efforts, and ROI on a monthly basis, making necessary adjustments.

• Utilize data and reports to craft strategic and tactical plans aimed at achieving territory revenue targets.

• Develop pre/post-sales-call strategies and engage in productive daily sales interactions through various channels including in-person calls, Zoom meetings, webinars, phone calls, group meetings, trade shows, and social media.

• Create and implement promotional activities, providing materials to travel agents.

• Oversee travel, marketing, supply, advertising, and promotional budgets, reporting monthly expenses.

• Negotiate sales plans and group contracts; support key strategic accounts, promotions, and events.

• Analyze account sales and marketing strategies and their ROI, making adjustments post-initiatives.

• Conduct seminars, webinars, familiarization cruises, ship tours, training events, cruise events, and trade and consumer exhibitions.

• Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of sales or account management experience, preferably within the travel industry.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with intermediate to advanced skills in Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with Zoom and GoTo Meeting platforms.

• Ability to establish personal credibility through product knowledge, service understanding, consistent follow-through, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent communication abilities and experience working directly with agency owners, marketing professionals, and front-line travel advisors.

• Demonstrated proficiency in implementing contracts using negotiation and presentation skills.

• Creative aptitude for developing a personal brand focused on selling unique cruise vacations and nurturing relationships within designated territories.

• Capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing sales environment and shift priorities based on business or territory needs.

• Analytical skills to interpret revenue outcomes and manage budgets and forecasting.

• Capability to prepare and analyze cost-of-sale results.

• Effective time management skills to work independently and achieve sales targets.

• Business acumen that combines product knowledge with an understanding of profitability dynamics.

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as required.

• Ability to lift and bend to transport marketing materials weighing up to 30 lbs., with reasonable accommodations.

• Capability to stand for extended periods during presentations and provide walking tours aboard client vessels, with reasonable accommodations.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Flexible work schedules.

• Travel opportunities and discounts.