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 fulfillment, database management, and agency/advisor relationship management. Serve as inside liaison for travel advisors on a 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 the 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.
• A strong sales support philosophy is 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 the 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

• The 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.