A&K Regional Sales Coordinator

Position Summary

Coordinate with travel industry partners in a regional inside sales support role with focus on sales and marketing support, sales team event coordination, logistics, reporting, coop marketing fulfilment, database management, and agency/advisor relationship management. Serve as inside liaison for travel advisors on resolution of guest relations issues by communicating between advisors and the Guest Relations team, as needed, as well as collaborating with the Reservation Sales Center, including follow-up on delayed communication and problem resolution.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Provide support to travel advisors who contact Insides Sales, providing direct resolution and/or providing connection to the appropriate department for additional assistance as appropriate.
• Follow up with travel advisors on pending sales proposals to increase sales conversion (in coordination with the Sales Director)
• Work closely with the manager of the team on specific sales push projects to support revenue goals for the Trade Sales Team
• Manage Sales events and roadshows to pre-determined budget in coordination with Manager, Agency Sales. Post events follow up with advisor event attendees and processing of invoices and billing/recharges.
• Management of agency event lists and RSVPs to ensure optimal attendees for high return on investment.
• Provide advisor information for reporting on ROI (return on investment) of agency events.
• Processing of invoices and billing/recharges after advisor and client events
• Responsible for a significant role in the biennial 100 Club Event, recognizing top producers (responsibilities may include registration, transportation, dedicated appointments, food & beverage, etc.)
• Responsible for database administration of new or amended advisor and/or agency details for the region.
• Work with the Accounting team by collecting banking details to facilitate payments on bookings for new agencies.
• Travel logistics support for Sales Directors when traveling with DMCs on road shows.
• Work with Marketing and Office Services departments to provide requested sales collateral to travel advisors/agencies.
• Coordinate Marketing co-op initiatives for travel agencies (ads, newsletters, consumer event collateral, etc.) and with the Accounting Department for allocation of payments for agreed co-op expenses
• Work with Manager, National Accounts, and Sales Directors on travel advisor applications for the Travel Advisor Reduced Rate program (TARR) and Educational Study Tours (EDSTs)
• Process advisor EDST and consortia/key account EDST bookings in the reservation system. Post-travel follow-up correspondence in coordination with Sales Directors to ensure they book A&K and track accuracy for ROI reports.
• Brochure order coordination and input into reservation/CRM system
• Special projects or other duties as required.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

• Strong multi-tasking skills and flexibility are required.
• Strong sales support philosophy required.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Accuracy with data entry is required.
• Strong Excel experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and within specified deadlines.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and phone demeanour
• Strong computer skills required (Microsoft Office) and ability to quickly master new technologies as needed.
• Working knowledge in the practical use of internet search engines
• Must read/write/speak English fluently.
• Will need to have knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of:
• Professional telephone etiquette and sales techniques
• Professional writing skills
• Accounting and costing protocol and procedures
• Above average global geography knowledge
• A&K DMCs and Third-Party Suppliers

Education and Experience

• Travel school program or college degree preferred.
• High School diploma required.
• Relevant travel industry experience preferred.

Special Requirements

• Position is based in A&K USA’s office, currently located in Downers Grove, Illinois
• Evening, weekend, and approved overtime may be required occasionally.
• Some travel may be required occasionally.