Business Development Director

Remote UK role. This incredible agency was founded by one of our favourite humans in the industry, who, with over 20 years experience in the luxury and adventure travel industry, set up this company to be a business development consultancy and representation outfit with a difference. Now 7 years later, they’re looking for a key hire to partner with.

The Role: Business Development Director

We have an exciting opportunity for an articulate, creative and enthusiastic team player to work directly with the owner to help nurture existing business relationships and grow new ones. This role is an exciting new one within the business and one with mega growth opportunities for you within th business.

Working closely with the owner, you will lead the development and strategic direction of business development while introducing new partnerships to grow brand presence in the luxury segment. An excellent attention to detail along with the ability to build rapport with potential and existing customers is vital, as well as an existing knowledge of the luxury travel agents/tour ops in the UK + US markets.

The Opportunities

In addition to the core purpose of business development and strategy, there are broader areas of the business which you are likely to be involved with, including:

Domestic and international trips to meet with existing and potential new partners

Planning and Hosting PR and networking events

Fostering positive relationships with suppliers, industry bodies and partners

Making yourself a key person to know in the travel industry

Being the face of the brand to agent partners

Identifying new business opportunities to generate revenue

The Skills Required

Previous experience fostering relationships with travel agencies / tour operators

Experience working in a Product exec/manager capacity within luxury travel

Understanding of the US and UK travel market from mid-market to luxe

Experience drawing up client contracts

Excellent time management and entrepreneurial flair

Strategic mindset when it comes to partnerships and business development planning

Ideally some previous marketing communications experience

The Day to Day

• Review, build and segment the database of industry contacts to drive more effective communication from a strategy perspective
• Engage with existing clients with brand activations and new product opportunities
• Contribute to the team in identifying new potential opportunities or business partners that will lead to the expansion of client base
• Gather and review feedback from DMC fams to ensure all clients are happy
• Research potential partnerships
• research and identify new business opportunities - including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships, products and services - or new ways of reaching existing markets. Pitch to these new partners.
• Generate leads and cold call prospective agents
• Get to know clients product intimately in order to effectively train agents on it
• foster and develop relationships with customers/clients
• understand the needs of your customers and be able to respond effectively with a plan of how to meet these
• think strategically - seeing the bigger picture and setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve the business
• work strategically - carrying out necessary planning in order to implement operational changes
• draw up client contracts - depending on the size of company, this task may be completed by someone else or agreements may not be as formal
• have a good understanding of the businesses' products or services and be able to advise others about them
• plan, develop and execute a trade marketing strategy from start to finish
• get involved with e-newsletter
• Developing materials to aid partners in working with us
• working on incentives & offers for partners
• seek ways of improving the way the business operates
• attend seminars, conferences and events where appropriate, keeping abreast of trends and changes in the travel industry
• Troubleshooting any issues arising with trade partners

Key talking point during interviews: your thoughts on a peanut butter and marmite as a combination (the founder is extremely passionate about this one).

The Fine Print

Reporting to: Owner

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Remote work UK / Leeds (owner is based here)

Basis: FLEXIBLE WORKING (based on 8 hour day) and 4 DAY WEEK

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 PA, dependent on experience – open talks about future £££ incentives based on performance in role.

Benefits: 20 Days Annual Leave + bank holidays