Strategic Business Development Manager, Host Agencies

Overview

Awarded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and three all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world.

Our Mission: We imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary

Our Vision: Enriching people’s perspective through inspired travel

Our Values: Welcoming, Innovative, Now, Discipline, Serve, Teamwork, Authentic, Responsible

The Strategic Business Development Manager, Host Agency Accounts will build and maintain productive relationships with key accounts within the travel trade sector for North America.   Their primary goal is to provide support to the agencies in achieving revenue targets, through the development and execution of sales strategies as well as account analysis, and training.  This role will create strategies   for the agencies and advisors to grow the host agency segment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Host Agency accounts as assigned.
• Develop and execute sales strategies with each account helping them to achieve revenue targets.
• Provide regular training and support to host agencies and travel advisors on product knowledge, sales techniques and marketing materials. 
• Analyze account profitability and opportunity and ensure that the distribution strategy is driving optimal return on investment.
• Identify new business opportunities and work with the Commercial team to develop targeted growth strategies and campaigns. 
• Provide regular reports and updates on sales performance, marketing trends, Competition trends and account feedback.
• Implementation, development, and management of the sales strategy for new-to-brand opportunities.
• Develop annual and quarterly sales plans and marketing plans, ensuring the plans are relevant and will drive improvement on profit and APD, using SalesForce and working in conjunction with Sales Leadership Team to formulate robust plans aligning with our consortia and key account initiatives. 
• Develop key relationships within your account portfolio with key decision makers and influencers.
• Build solid relationships with top sellers with the IC’s within the host agency to ensure Windstar Cruises remains front of mind, while seeking new opportunities with other sellers to build volume.   
• Motivate and ensure your partners are engaged with our Star Specialists Program.
• Drive sales and engagement within own accounts via use of technology including (but not limited to) social media, virtual meetings, SalesForce and telephone calls.
• Implement both product and automation training to ensure awareness of all products.
• Responsible for effective management of co-op budget for the accounts and monitoring and reporting on the ROI.
• Working with the Regional Sales Team on all initiatives keeping them well informed to work with the advisors within the Host Agencies.
• Work with the Commercial team to ensure that Windstar Cruises is well represented in all activity.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience / knowledge & skills 

• Presentation Skills- Comfortable presenting in audiences of all sizes
• Analytical – logically analyses facts, data, and situations. 
• Takes initiative – understands what needs to be accomplished and proceeds within the accountabilities of the job. 
• Organized – Can place and maintain order in an environment and situation. 
• Selling – has a skill to convince and influence others to purchase a product or service.
• Persistent – is tenacious despite encountering setbacks and obstacles. 
• Optimistic – demonstrates a positive attitude in all situations. 
• Innovative – able to think creatively and regularly thinks ‘outside of the box’ 
• Written/Language - clear and concise communication detailing the level of interest in formulating words that convey the meaning. 
• Negotiation Skills - Has the ability to use advanced negotiation techniques to achieve joint financial goals in complex negotiations.    

 Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience at a sales management level in the travel industry working with key accounts. 
• Knowledge of host agencies and the travel trade is essential.
• Remote Sales Position based in South Florida, Texas, or Los Angeles area.
• Position must be based within 30 miles of a major airport.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally.

BENEFITS: For full-time employees, Xanterra offers a comprehensive benefits package including:  Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; Vacation, Sick and Holiday Paid Time Off; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance; and Employee Discounts and Travel Deals.

EEO: Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.