Sales and Account Management, and Business Development is a vital skill set in any successful company. Business Development identifies new business opportunities and ensures new sales leads. Once the account is secured, it is then the role of the Account Manager, Key Account Manager or Sales Manager to ensure the account is maintained and sales are maximised and targets met. The roles vary within many travel employers, but listed are some of the more popular that Chisholm & Moore Executive Recruitment recruit for:
Business Sales Executive or Business Development Executive supports the Business Development Manager or Sales Manager in maintaining sales and identifying new business opportunities.
Business Development Manager looks at the market place and identifying new business opportunities. Often this will include gathering market intelligence on customers, clients and competitors and generate leads for possible sales. Often this role is field based due to promoting the company products. Often you will be presenting to key decision makers so you must be confident.
Account Manager or Sales Manager or Regional Sales Manager will identify opportunities to increase revenue from existing customers. This will include building effective relationships that promote trust and co-operation between the customer and Company, through a mix of face to face and telephone meetings. You may also negotiate annual contracts with existing accounts and ensure they fit with the business needs. You must have excellent customer service skills, be able to build and maintain relationships and be a strong negotiator. Generally these roles are field based so you must be highly motivated. These roles could be within an e-commerce tour operator, airlines, business travel sectors.
