Tailor Made Travel Sales Consultant

Come and join the world’s leading luxury travel brand

Our Europe Destination Management Company (DMC), based in Cheltenham (UK) is recruiting passionate individuals to play a pivotal role in our ambitious plans for the future.

The ideal candidate will have a background from the sales and/or operations functions within the travel industry, although individuals with transferable skills for other industries will also be strongly considered. Above all we are looking for candidates with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.

PURPOSE:

Using the client brief and subsequent qualifying process this role involves building and pricing creative luxury tailor-made programs for travel across Europe. The Consultant will be responsible for achieving sales and margin goals, along with designing programs which are operationally sound. Ultimately the aim is to exceed expectations of our guests, sales offices and travel advisors so the return to A&K again and again.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Summary

• To design tailor-made FIT programmes for A&K sales offices or travel advisors, checking the feasibility of itineraries and making suggestions as appropriate.
• Meet or exceed set and agreed turnaround, sales, conversion and margin targets.
• To negotiate better hotel and land provider rates where possible
• To cost each programme accurately, competitively and to the required level of quality within the agreed time frame whilst maintaining creativity, using the in-house reservations system
• To actively follow up on all new business quoted until a definitive result is obtained.
• On confirmation, set up the file and ensure the reservation system are accurate before handing over to the operator.
• To actively investigate new products and opportunities to achieve greater sales to existing and new clients.
• To check, when requested, costings and itinerary content of programmes which have been set up by other team members.
• To check the final itinerary and Supplier Information Report before it is sent to all suppliers, as required.
• To build strong relationships with a global clientele of luxury travel industry professionals in order to encourage repeat business.

Financial

• To ensure appropriate terms are sent to clients and deposits taken
• To create financial statements, including matters related to travel advisor commissions
• To ensure that correct funds are received from a client by the agreed dates

Quality Control / Customer Service:

• To develop an itinerary which is operationally viable from the outset
• To assist managers and operations staff in handling issues as they arise
• To provide Quality Control information to the Manager/Supervisor as required
• To proactively participate in, and provide training on destinations, products, and procedures

General

• To provide emergency mobile telephone service on a rota basis and provide all necessary information for the emergency file
• General office duties such as answering telephone etc.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Manager/Supervisor
• Provide guidance and assistance to members of staff in other European A&K DMC locations.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Desired Skills-Set:

• A confident, positive attitude
• Strong spoken and written communication skills. A second European language is desirable
• A Good level of geographical and general knowledge of Europe is advantageous
• Up-to-date knowledge of Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel
• A natural affinity for sales and (over) achieving goals
• A real passion for travel
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Attention to detail
• A willingness to develop relationships with clients
• Good and effective time management

This Role Profile highlights the key responsibilities but is not intended to be exhaustive.

If you would like to learn more about the position or apply please send your CV, salary expectations and cover letter.

Why work for A&K

The induction at A&K Europe includes an extensive period of structured learning and development lasting up to six months. After six months with the Company, you will become eligible for an A&K familiarisation trip. Where possible would aim to send you on a domestic or European trip within twelve months, however this will be subject to availability and business needs.

What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It’s our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for us. There will also be an opportunity to progress your career – not just in the UK, but as part of our global business.

We’re also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for looking after our clients during the pandemic.

60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded Abercrombie & Kent, we’re still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. The business comprises of international Tour Operations Offices (TOCs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) with 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £24,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Yearly bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cheltenham: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person