Account Manager - National Accounts

BASIC PURPOSE : Manage assigned, nationally based network of independent travel advisors to execute overall sales and marketing strategies within the Strategic Accounts / National account channel. Cultivate travel advisor relationships within the assigned territory. Collaborate with National Account Directors in planning, strategy development and conference calls with host network's leadership and foster / maintain critical relationships. Implement local marketing and promotional programs to achieve sales targets.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Oversee and become the day-to-day face of the NCL brand developing business with a high revenue producing, national portfolio of independent travel advisors for one or more of our largest host network business partners.
• Educate clients by way of product updates, virtual trainings, in-person regional events and network conferences.
• Continually source for new revenue opportunities within assigned account(s) to achieve sales goals utilizing customer centric sales strategies in an effort to establish greater brand awareness in each respective client market.
• Retain and manage individual travel advisor relationships for the assigned network.
• Develop a personalized approach to help maximize advisor understanding of our value proposition by way of ongoing training, marketing and promotional efforts, regular social media engagement and one on one business consulting.
• Leverage a large promotional and marketing budget to increase awareness within each independent contractors marketplace.
• Analyze sales and marketing plans from assigned agents or agency networks and the return on Investment (ROI); making adjustments when needed. Analysis of results to be done after completion of each initiative and discussed with advisors, on monthly call or quarterly review.
• Develop a plan to remain organized with allocating time to ensure consistency with touch points throughout the ongoing stages of development.
• Plan and schedule in advance all necessary domestic and international travel according to maximizing audience size / reach and meeting network participation needs.
• Conduct seminars, lead familiarization cruises, attend cruise events, trade and consumer shows, etc. as needed.
• Review sales plans, promotional efforts and ROI monthly to determine success track; make adjustments to plan accordingly. Utilize existing data and reports to develop strategic and tactical plans for achieving assigned territory goals.
• Develop a pre / post sales call strategy and achieve outlined goals. Daily prospecting based on a customer centric approach to establish an understanding of business goals, obstacles and applicable solutions to efficiently develop next steps of ongoing development.
• Work with sales management to negotiate sales plans and group contracts. Support the strategic channel with the rollout out of promotional campaigns, initiating and communicating offers and incentives network wide including the headquarter of the client network.
• Service travel advisor needs via problem resolution utilizing knowledge of company products, services and support from headquarter based sales team. Follow-up and ensure facilitation of problem through to resolution in a timely fashion.
• Remain current on corporate information, policies, procedures, sales and marketing programs, corporate communications and related materials. Follow corporate policies and procedures.
• Develop plan for personal development including but not limited to e-commerce strategies, technical skills and soft skills training on an annual basis.
• Maintain proper documentation of all agency related activity by way of Sales Force.
• Act as Company's brand ambassador providing excellent service, consistent, prompt and professional communication and projecting a professional image at account conferences, conventions, trade shows, seminars, ship inspections and other sales-related functions as appropriate.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE :

EDUCATION : Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field of study; or any equivalent combination of relevant background and / or sales experience.

EXPERIENCE : Minimum 5 years sales experience, preferably in the travel industry.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS : Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite to include intermediate level skills with Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of or ability to learn FreeStyle Connect, CRM (Customer Relation Management) and e-commerce channels. Ability to build personal credibility by way of solid product knowledge, services, procedures, consistent follow-through and problem-solving skills. Creative abilities to develop a personal brand for selling unique cruise vacations and building relationships within assigned territories. Ability to adapt to a quickly changing sales environment; ability to shift priorities per business and / or advisor network demands. Analytical skills sufficient to translate revenue results and effectively manage budget and forecasting. Ability to prepare and analyze cost of sale results. Planning skills for developing a sales strategy for assigned channel or advisor network. Interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team-based environment. Effective time management skills to work independently and meet sales goals. Business acumen to combine product knowledge and understand dynamics of profitability. Business acumen to maintain knowledge of market and competitive trends. Customer-centric skills to foster and maintain business relationships and drive results. Excellent verbal and written command of English sufficient to support travel partners with questions / issues follow-up as well present efficiently and persuasively to large audiences. Ability to travel nationally and internationally, hold a valid state driver's license and maintain a clean driving record. Ability to work evenings and / or weekends. Ability to bend and lift up to 30 lbs to pack and transport marketing collateral to travel agents, with reasonable accommodation. Ability to stand for long periods of time for presentations and provide walking tours for client's onboard vessels, with reasonable accommodation.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies : NCLH does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered NCLH property, and NCLH will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to Hiring Managers without contacting the NCLH Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.