AKTG Sales Director (VIC/TAS/NZ)

Come and join one of the world's leading luxury travel brands

A&K Travel Group is the world’s premier luxury travel company, with an unrivalled legacy of creating memorable, inspiring adventures in more than 100 countries and on all seven continents. Our approach combines singular service, authentic local expertise and beyond-the-guidebook insider access, all of which come together to create a journey of a lifetime, every time our Guests travel with us.

The A&K Travel Group, incorporating A&K and Crystal, now offers a diverse range of luxury destination and travel experiences on both land and sea across the globe. With a renewed focus on Trade Sales, this role will be responsible for all AKTG trade sales in their region.

The Role

A&K (Aust) is looking to fill the newly created role of AKTG Sales Director, responsible for Abercrombie & Kent along with Crystal in the VIC/TAS/NZ regions. This full-time position is based in our Melbourne office and reporting to the VP Sales & Partnerships AU/NZ – AKTG in Melbourne. This role is responsible for reaching and exceeding outbound sales targets across their region You will be responsible for managing and developing strategic relationships and implementing business plans with retail trade partners and suppliers, to drive business and maximise revenue opportunities.

This is an autonomous role with regional travel and after-hours work requirements. This role requires a dedicated, self-motivated person who has a drive and passion for sales success and the ability to be a respected ambassador for the A&K Travel Group.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage trade partnerships at a state and business level to achieve and exceed assigned targets
• Define, implement and communicate effective account management strategies that maximise revenue generation
• Initiate and implement (with VP Sales & Partnerships/ VP Marketing) sales and marketing initiatives for key accounts with strong focus on ROI
• Establish a robust pipeline of new business opportunities, identifying new partners and growing portfolios of existing partners
• Increase A&K and Crystal product and brand awareness to the travel agent community. Educate trade partners on new products, features and styles of travel through road sales calls, trainings and product presentations
• Identify Cruise partner opportunities for net packaging and API opportunities and implement activation with support of Key Accounts Manager Cruise
• Undertake activities with trade partners and guests at trade shows, co-consultations and product launches
• Key Account Management of pre-determined national networks including regular meetings and sales reporting, sales and marketing initiatives and commercial achievement
• Monitor and communicate competitor and general market activities and identify AKTG market share opportunities
• Regular tracking of sales calls and database management through Salesforce

Required knowledge and experience

The team member will have in-depth experience in the luxury market with successful, established industry relationships.

Knowledge and experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the travel industry in a Sales Manager role
• Product knowledge and firsthand travel experience of A&K destinations is preferred
• Proven experience and track record in relationship management
• Extensive knowledge and experience in Australian retail trade distribution
• Thorough understanding of the luxury travel segment
• Demonstrated sales ability and energy and drive to achieve sales targets
• Experience in presenting with excellent public speaking skills
• Fully conversant with the Microsoft office suite, particularly Word, Excel. PowerPoint skills are a must.
• Experience in using an in-house travel system (Travel Studio experience would be considered an advantage)
• Prior experience using a client database, preferably Salesforce
• High degree of attention to detail and tenacity
• A positive team player with an enthusiastic and ‘can do’ approach to the role
• Flexibility to take on new ideas and projects
• Self-leadership and a high level of organisational and time management skills
• Committed to the highest level of customer service
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
• Passion and enthusiasm for travel and the travel industry
• A desire for sales success

Other Information

• Remuneration package includes sales incentives, car allowance and mobile phone/allowance.
• Up to six weeks travel (interstate and overseas) per year may be required (including familiarisation trips)
• Must have driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Out of hours work will be required to attend industry events, agent functions, conferences and training.
• The ability to work within a dynamic team and to openly share information with others

Why work for A&K?

At Abercrombie & Kent we pride ourselves on the service and standard of excellence that we give to our clients. This service extends to every stage of the journey with A&K, from the very start of the enquiry to the phone call our clients receive from us when they get back from their holiday. This is the A&K difference.

Our valued team of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand each share a passion for making travel dreams a reality. These enthusiastic individuals come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

What you can expect with A&K

• Flexible and inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to expand their skill set, take on challenges and contribute positively to our collective team.
• Supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K
• Investment in our staff with both in-house and external training opportunities
• Opportunity to progress your career, not just in Australia but as part of our global business
• Annual Familiarisation/training travel opportunities
• 3 extra Wellbeing leave days per year (in addition to your Annual and Personal Leave entitlements)
• Paid Parental leave – 18 weeks at full pay
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunity to work from home as part of our hybrid working model
• Work in the enviable CBD office location close to public transport
• Monthly birthday celebrations and other team activities
• Staff discounts and Travel Benefit program
• An organisation that is mindful of the environment, conscious of waste and seeks to minimise our eco-footprint.

We're also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has proudly supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years.

If you meet the selection criteria and have appropriate work rights, we would love to hear from you. Apply by sending your resume and covering letter outlining why you'd be perfect for the role.