Business Development Manager - Tour Operator

Business Development Manager

Our client - a specialist Tour Operator, is dedicated to providing excellent service to their customers. Their core values of quality, integrity, determination, and passion drive every interaction with clients. The primary objective of this role is to increase the awareness and credibility of their travel brands among UK travel agents. This involves driving agent acquisition, retention, loyalty, and lifetime value.

Business Development Manager - What Will I be doing?

• Cultivate relationships with travel agents to boost brand awareness and trade enquiries.
• Collaborate internally to develop marketing strategies based on insights from consumer trends.
• Provide training and support to agents on promoting our client's destinations.
• Assist in budget planning and decision-making on trade relations spending.
• Represent our client at industry events to network and promote brands.
• Onboard new agents and coordinate marketing campaigns for partners.
• Analyse sales reports to identify areas for improvement and suggest actions.
• Support Sales Team Leaders and reservations team with trade-related issues.

Business Development Manager - What experience do I need to have?

• The most important requirement is that you have a real passion for the role and the industry and are engaging and a natural at fostering relationships.
• Ideally you will have a minimum 12 months of Business Development experience, preferably in high-end or niche markets.
• Basic knowledge of Japan and Southeast Asia destinations would be helpful but not essential.
• Strong presentation and communication skills. Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Unrestricted driving license. Understanding of the UK travel industry.
• Flexibility for domestic and occasional international travel.
• Additional sales or travel industry experience is beneficial.

Business Development Manager - what else do I need to know?

You will be based at home but expected to be out meeting customers a lot and also come to the office in the Bristol area once or twice a month. Base Salary: £34k - £38k. Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Holiday: 25 days annual leave, increasing annually to a maximum of 28 days, plus statutory holidays, and additional leave for birthday.

Health: Employee Assistance Program and enhanced parental leave. Pension: 3% employer pension contribution. Bonus: Annual discretionary performance-related bonus.

Other benefits include volunteering leave, staff socials, discounted travel, Perkbox discounts, Employee Assistance Programme, and designated learning and development time.