VP, Global Air Sales Operations

Responsibilities

Responsible for Global Air at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group level including Sales, Contracting & Operations, and Global Contact Centre Air Teams. Identify and create global strategy, negotiate, and maintain best in class air contracts, as well as developing and evolving the overall air/sea offering for the Abercrombie and Kent travel group globally.

Expierence & Qualifications

• Create and implement a unified global air offering, supported by key partnerships & contracts.
• Develop global relationships, and contracts with key airline partners to support global alignment.
• Work closely with Finance teams to ensure ARC ticket auditing and back office (TRAMS) reporting processes are streamlined.
• Work alongside the IT department including the integration of system and operational processes
• Maximize profitability and sales for the luxury travel segment (cruise and tour operating) 
• Drive efficient processes internally within air and operations teams, including but not limited to airfare maintenance & ticketing.
• Responsible for maximizing profitability and conversion of air attachment to travel booking across AKTG and all global contact centers.
• Lead project implementations related specifically to air system functionality.
• Work closely with partners to identify growth opportunities.
• Function as a fundamental resource for sales teams regarding the standards and delivery of the air program.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of selected Global Distribution System (GDS) and all preferred partner airline contract details.
• Identify and understand complex international itineraries for the purpose of offering the best travel option to consumers.

Other Duties

• Collaborating with stakeholders such as sales, IT, marketing, finance & revenue management to maximize opportunities and profitability.
• Maintain commercial relationships within the travel industry in key markets.
• Travel to local offices to maintain and develop high-level relationships across the market.

Education

Associate degree or equivalent combination of relevant background and/or professional experience in travel industry.

Experience

·         10 years industry sales experience focusing on Global Air Contracts and negotiating

• Experience in working in a Call centre or Tour Operating environment.
• Work effective in a Global Matrix reporting organisation.
• Proven track record of success
• High level of GDS knowledge/experience Amadeus preferred.
• Cross-market knowledge including USA, UK&EMEA and APAC
• Extensive Travel industry and/or cruise industry experience preferred.
• Experience in budget and forecast preparation.

Skills

• Hungry, ambitious & driven mentality.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and analytical skills required.

Work Environment

Works in a typical office environment with quiet-to-moderate noise generated by computer printer, fax machine and light traffic. Up to 30% International travel is required (and maintain a current passport)

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, fax machines, calculators, 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.

• Emergency Duty 24/7 phone coverage may be required.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.

• A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible, full-time employees including an employee bonus plan. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee, such as group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and travel discounts through use of an IATAN Travel Professional card. Other elective benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental life insurance, pre-tax healthcare and dependent FSAs, and a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.