Business Development Manager - Midwest Region

This position is responsible for managing the business development (sales) of a defined list of travel agency accounts and consortia within a specified territory. The objective is to achieve sales goals for Princess Cruises in alignment with the company's business objectives and Core Values. This role reports to the Director of Sales.

Responsibilities

• Business Development (Revenue Generation): Develop and implement strategic plans to drive sales and increase revenue. Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and trends. Build strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to align revenue strategies with promotional activities and market demands. Optimize pricing models and product offerings. Prepare detailed revenue reports and forecasts for senior management.
• Agency Account Management: Oversee and manage relationships with agency partners to drive business growth. Identify potential agency partners, negotiate contracts, and ensure agency activities align with company goals. Work closely with marketing, sales, and product development teams to coordinate efforts.
• Marketing Development and Management: Develop and execute marketing strategies to drive business growth and enhance brand visibility. Conduct market research, create marketing campaigns, and manage promotional activities. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop content, manage social media channels, and oversee digital marketing efforts. Analyze the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and adjust strategies to optimize results.
• Budget Management: Plan and allocate budgets for business development initiatives. Conduct financial analysis to monitor budget performance, identify variances, and prepare reports for senior management. Implement cost control measures and identify opportunities for budget optimization. Work with the finance team to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Communication:
  • Internal Communication: Facilitate clear and effective communication within the organization to ensure alignment between sales, marketing, and operations teams.
  • External Communication: Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, clients, and stakeholders. Negotiate contracts, present business proposals, and represent Princess Cruises at industry events.
  • Feedback Management: Gather and analyze feedback from clients and partners to identify areas for improvement and inform strategic decisions.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with industry trends, market dynamics, and best practices. Attend workshops, seminars, and training programs. Assess personal and team performance, set professional development goals, and track progress. Participate in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

• Essential/Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 3 years of business to business (B2B) sales experience (5 years preferred in the travel industry)
  • Strong in-person and virtual presentation skills
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Strong consultative selling skills
  • Strong computer and software literacy
  • Ability to plan, schedule, prioritize workload
  • Adaptable to change
• Essential Experience Required:
  • Well-traveled
  • Understanding of how small businesses work
  • Works well in a team
  • Willingness to take on ad-hoc projects
  • Self-directed and ability to work independently
  • Entrepreneurial spirit

Skills

• Scope: Self-starter with strong sales skills and B2B relationship-building skills. Experience with virtual and live presentations for large audiences, as well as product training. Excellent time management, planning, and scheduling skills. Ability to work with minimal oversight and meet sales and account contact goals. Ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Problem Solving: Navigate complex market dynamics and identify growth opportunities. Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and competitor strategies. Devise strategic solutions to enhance market share and profitability. Negotiate partnerships, optimize sales channels, and implement innovative marketing campaigns. Efficiently allocate resources to maximize return on investment.
• Impact: Drive company growth and expand market presence. Identify new business opportunities, build relationships with key stakeholders, and develop strategic plans to enhance revenue and profitability. Contribute to attracting new customers, improving service offerings, and maintaining a competitive edge.
• Leadership: Exhibit strong leadership by driving strategic initiatives and fostering a collaborative environment. Lead cross-functional teams, mentor and develop team members, and promote a culture of continuous improvement. Make informed decisions, manage resources efficiently, and inspire high performance.

Travel

25-50% with non-shipboard travel likely.

Work Conditions

• Work beyond normal business hours or on weekends may be required occasionally to support business needs, projects, or operations.
• This position is classified as “remote,” allowing full-time work from home.

Physical Demands

Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

Benefits

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for you and your family
• Health Benefits
• 401(k)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Training & Professional Development
• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement
• Rewards & Incentives