Job Description:
Position Summary:
Responsible for Global Air at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group level, including Sales, Contracting & Operations. Identify and create a global strategy, negotiate, and maintain best-in-class air contracts, as well as develop and evolve the overall air/sea offering for the Abercrombie and Kent travel group globally.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Create and implement a unified global air offering, supported by key partnerships & contracts.
Work closely with partners to identify growth opportunities and 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.
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 to offer the best travel options 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.
Skills and Abilities
Hungry, ambitious & driven mentality.
Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills required.
Education and Additional Experience
10+ years of industry sales experience focusing on Global Air Contracts and negotiating.
Experience in working in a Call centre or Tour Operating environment.
Work effectively in a Global Matrix reporting organization.
Proven track record of success
High level of GDS knowledge/experience, Amadeus preferred.
Cross-market knowledge including the USA, UK&EMEA and APAC
Experience in budget and forecast preparation.
Associate degree or equivalent combination of relevant background and/or professional experience in the travel industry.
Special Requirements
Must reside in the Chicago or Miami metro area.
Hybrid role based in A&K’s Downers Grove, IL or Aventura, FL office (4 days in-office, 1 day remote)
Emergency Duty 24/7 phone coverage may be required.
Evening and weekend hours may be required.
Up to 30% International travel is required (and maintain a current passport).
Salary Range
140-155k; position bonus eligible.
Benefits
A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible, full-time employees. 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.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employee.
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EEO Statement
Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Skills Required
- 10+ years industry sales experience focused on global air contracts and negotiation
- Experience working in a call centre or tour operating environment
- Ability to work effectively in a global matrix reporting organization
- High level of GDS knowledge/experience
- Amadeus experience
- Cross-market knowledge including USA, UK/EMEA and APAC
- Experience in budget and forecast preparation
- Associate degree or equivalent combination of relevant background and/or professional travel industry experience
- Must reside in the Chicago or Miami metro area
- Hybrid on-site role (4 days in-office, 1 day remote) based in Downers Grove, IL or Aventura, FL
- Up to 30% international travel and current passport
- May be required to provide 24/7 emergency phone coverage
- Availability for evening and weekend hours as required
- Proven track record of success in relevant roles
- Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
What We Do
Abercrombie & Kent is a luxury adventure travel company providing life-changing experiences around the globe.
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