Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education/experience
5+ years of field-based sales experience with contracts over $150,000
3+ years managing relationships with travel partners in the cruise or travel industry
Experience in negotiating and creating marketing plans
Basic knowledge of CRM software
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong communication and presentation skills
Responsibilities
Identify and develop new business opportunities in Northern Florida
Build and manage relationships with travel agencies to maximize profits
Create and implement an annual sales plan to meet territory objectives
Maintain open communication with travel partners through regular sales calls
Manage budget and expenses, reviewing monthly
Support marketing programs and events for National Accounts
Analyze sales data for business reviews and recommendations
Conduct seminars and events, requiring travel approximately 60% of the time
Benefits
Flexible work environment
Opportunities for professional development
Travel opportunities within the assigned territory
Engagement with a dynamic team
Access to corporate resources and support
Full Job Description
Your Purpose
The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within an assigned geographic territory (Northern FL) by developing strong, strategic relationships with travel agency partners.
The BDM serves as the primary commercial owner of the territory, identifying opportunities to grow existing accounts, activate new business, increase agency engagement, and expanding MSC Cruises' presence within the travel advisor community. The role combines relationship management, sales strategy, education, territory development, marketing investment, and disciplined execution.
The BDM is expected to move beyond transactional account servicing and operate as a business partner to travel advisors and agencies, helping partners identify opportunities to grow their MSC Cruise business through education, business planning and strategic sales initiatives.
Your Impact
Proactively identifies and develops new business opportunities within the assigned territory, regularly researching and sourcing new revenue streams and sales strategies to achieve territory goals. Territory includes north Florida.
Build and establish new Travel Agency business. Retain and manage business relationships for each travel agency and develop a personalized approach to help maximize agencies' profits. Generate ideas and strategies to actively participate in travel agency growth.
Plans, creates and implements an annual territory sales plan to achieve and maximize territory sales objectives as well as ensuring achievement of assigned goals. Reviews sales plan, accounts, promotional efforts and ROI monthly to determine success track, making adjustments to plan, when/where necessary.
Develops a plan to remain accessible to travel partners and maintain open communication channels. Making a minimum of 25 Sales Calls a week.
Manages budget within guidelines to include travel, Co-Op and all other expenses. Reviews spends at the end of each Month.
Supports National Accounts marketing programs, promotions and events.
Analyzes sales data to present monthly, quarterly business reviews with accounts and make recommendations.
Conducts Seminars, Familiarization Cruises, Cruise events, Trade and Consumer shows, as needed; therefore, must have a reliable form of transportation, and must be able to travel as required. Requires travel of approximately 60%.
Remains current on corporate information, policies, procedures, sales and marketing programs, corporate communications and related materials.
Performs other job-related functions as assigned.
Your Journey so far
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and/or relevant sales experience.
Minimum 5 years' field-based sales experience and contract negotiations more than $150,000.
Minimum 3 years' experience managing relationships with travel partners for a cruise line or other travel business
Experience in negotiating and creating marketing plans required.
Basic knowledge of Customer Relationship Management software.
Experienced with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to build personal credibility by way of solid product knowledge, procedures, consistent follow-through and problem-solving skills; and execute agreements using superior negotiation and presentation skills.
Ability to prepare and analyze Cost of Sale results.
Business acumen - maintain knowledge of market and competitive trends.
Effective time management skills to work independently.
Strong communication and presentation skills required.
Ability to manage multiple projects and commitments, organizing efficiently, managing time effectively, and adapting to complex and/or shifting priorities.
