Business Development Specialist

Job Summary

The Business Development Specialist at Crystal Cruises will play a pivotal role in driving sales and expanding market share among a key group of travel agency accounts. This position is responsible for the development and execution of strategies to educate, engage, and foster long-term relationships with travel agency partners, ultimately aiming to meet or exceed established sales objectives. The Business Development Specialist will collaborate closely with the Director of Business Development to execute promotional activities and facilitate revenue production through effective sales efforts.

Essential Job Duties

• Assist in the training, support, and communication with travel agencies within assigned territories.
• Collaborate with the Regional Sales Director (RSD or BDD) to facilitate transactions, support and/or coordinate events aimed at enhancing sales and relationships.
• Design and implement strategies for territory management, providing guidance for business development to ensure sustainable growth aligning with corporate objectives.
• Coordinate and participate in sales events, including webinars, in-person meetings, and trade shows.
• Support the Regional Sales Directors as needed in resolving, tracking, and executing cases related to territory accounts.
• Maintain and update the CRM database (OneIS) with accurate and current information on travel agency partners, ensuring data integrity and completeness.
• Become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the CRM system, providing training and support to team members as needed.
• Distribute weekly and/or monthly sales reports to key accounts and sales team members as required.
• Execute outbound calling campaigns to trade accounts to support sales to designated agents and agencies, including those with potential for increased sales with additional sales engagement.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Director or VP.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competency

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in sales, account management, or business development in the travel or hospitality industry, especially within the cruise industry, is a significant plus.
• Familiarity with the cruise industry and luxury travel products, particularly knowledge of Crystal Cruises, is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software is desirable.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with travel agency partners and internal stakeholders.
• Sales-oriented mindset with a track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans for territory management and business development.
• Proficiency in using online tools and platforms for promotional activities, including webinars and social media.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills to manage templates, agreements, and reporting.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel as necessary.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.

Physical Demands

Requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching. May require lifting or pushing up to 25 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, the telephone, and other office equipment.

Expected Hours of Work

The position is full-time and frequently requires working additional time outside of normal business hours.