Location: Seattle,WA, USA
Virtuoso is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 54 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,300 of the world's best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $28-$32 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
The Account Manager, Cruise Sales is responsible for managing relationships with key Cruise Partners. Responsibilities include the achievement of annual company and department sales targets for their assigned portfolio of cruise accounts, growing and deepening relationships and increasing Cruise Partner visibility within the Virtuoso Network.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Sales and Marketing Planning
* Advocates for cruise line partners and Virtuoso members by understanding, promoting, and creating programs designed to achieve cruise line sales goals and member overrides.
* Establishes mutually beneficial relationships with cruise line partners and Virtuoso members based on engagement, trust, and strategic thinking.
* Organizes annual planning meetings and presentation of multi-year business sales proposals for preferred cruise partners. Conducts weekly or bi-weekly update calls with assigned partners.
* Understands Virtuoso marketing products and creates customized annual business/marketing plans for each cruise account.
* Supports global sales and marketing initiatives.
* Collaborates with Marketing department to provide direction and sales focus and manages input of all marketing commitments in marketing/publishing software.
* Negotiates and promotes Virtuoso exclusive offers.
* Manages Cruise supplier participation in Virtuoso events throughout each year.
* Solicits and assists Sponsorship Coordinator in the management of sponsorships for Virtuoso events.
* Monitors and evaluates competing products and services to improve current sales programs and strengthen overall Virtuoso relevancy in the marketplace.
* Monitors cruise product availability on an ongoing basis to pinpoint tactical opportunities and supplier promotional needs.
* Negotiates and promotes Virtuoso hosted sailings.
* Works with coordinator to manage selection of HQ Groups and ensure timely execution.
* Key role in developing mutual sales targets with Virtuoso partner Cruise Lines. Communicates and promotes to appropriate internal and external stakeholders.
* Works with Finance department to ensure correct tracking and forecasting of preferred cruise supplier's sales targets.
Communication and Networking
* Serves as primary liaison for all account issues between supplier and other departments within Virtuoso. Acts as owner and/or subject matter expert on special projects as needed. Resolves escalated account issues between member and supplier.
* Builds strong relationships through consistent communication with designated account contacts, ensuring consistent flow of information between Virtuoso and supplier.
* Identifies, documents, and prioritizes business requirements for technology deliverables. Partners with technology to deliver tools that support department objectives and goals.
* Creates and manages content for Cruise Specific publications and website pages, as well as company communications as applicable.
* Communicates with Virtuoso Cruise Committee Members to garner regional sales trends and discuss member concerns regarding cruise supplier policies.
* Liaises with Member Training Department on development and execution of sales and product training plans for selected supplier account relationships.
* Facilitates and promotes team collaboration. Works with colleagues to create and establish protocols for Cruise Sales department business processes and workflows.
* Attends company and industry events relevant to the Cruise Sales Program.
* Works in tandem with Cruise VP and Commercial Director on annual preferred partner contracts.
Educational and Skills Requirements:
* Bachelor's degree
* 2+ years of account management experience
* Experience in the travel/cruise industry highly desired
* Work history reflecting ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with excellent judgment and initiative
* Strong product and promotion creation ability
* Strong analytical / forecasting skills
* Excellent organizational skills and an extremely high level of accuracy and attention to detail
* Strong business writing skills
* Ability to multitask and prioritize in a deadline-driven environment
* Ability to organize and conduct professional client meetings and presentations
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, MS Word and Outlook)
* Forward thinking, curious, and creative
* Aware of current business trend knowledge
* Able to collect and analyze complex information, problem solve, and make decisions
* Ability to work independently
Travel Requirements:
* Travel is required for Planning Meetings, Company Events and Partner events such as Inaugurals, Christenings, Fam Trips, etc.
* Travel will be both domestic and international.
Type/Nature of Contacts:
* Internal: Key job contacts are primarily with managers outside of the job's immediate work unit/department.
* External: Daily contact with preferred cruise suppliers and members.
We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life, 401(k) savings plan, and more. Virtuoso is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to promoting a diverse workforce.
Pay ranges are intended to cover roles based across the United States. An individual's base pay depends on various factors including geographical location, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.