A&K Sales Director - Texas

Position Summary

Strategically manage a sales territory, selling and marketing a global portfolio of Abercrombie & Kent products and experiences to the retail travel agency community, with a focus on the Luxury Travel & Leisure Markets. Implement a cost-effective sales strategy to meet or exceed A&K’s annual sales and revenue goals, working within a predetermined annual budget.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for sales and profitability growth within an assigned territory in Texas including achievement of assigned revenue goals.
• Be the brand ambassador and instil confidence and loyalty in the A&K brand.
• Initiate and execute training and product knowledge seminars for travel advisors and consumers using brand-standard A/V presentations.
• Plan and manage sales activities of DMC sales personnel in the territory to provide maximum return on investment.
• Represent A&K at trade shows and travel agency-organized consumer events, including setup of brand standard displays, collateral, and A/V. Evening and weekend availability is required.
• Manage territory budget and travel agency marketing plans to ensure maximum return on investment.
• Identify and cultivate opportunity accounts who can deliver new to A&K clients. 
• Ensure reporting of sales activities and expenses per company guidelines on a weekly/monthly basis.
• Responsible for travel agency quality control and customer service issues in coordination with the appropriate A&K office.
• Provide travel agency/advisor updates for maintenance of database, CRM, and invitation lists.
• Support sister A&K Travel Group brand, Crystal, in field sales as required.

Skills and Abilities 

• Experience in Strategic Territory Management.
• Excellent sales and customer service skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Fluency in MS Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• The ability to set up a consumer show and trade show booth, including signage, table covering, decoration, and collateral.
• The ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• The ability to carry a laptop in carry-on luggage when traveling by air.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• 5 – 10 years of experience in travel industry sales.
• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• Extensive international destination knowledge, including A&K destinations preferred.
• Existing travel industry sales relationships in the Texas region and a demonstrated track record of sales success within a designated sales territory with a leading travel company are required.

Special Requirements

• Must reside within Texas. Houston or Dallas is preferred.
• 70% business travel expected, including international destinations at times throughout the year. 
• Must own or lease a reliable vehicle, including required liability insurance coverage, to be used for business purposes within a drivable distance from home.
• Must receive and store sales collateral, home office equipment, and trade show materials in or near home.
• A valid Driver’s License and Passport are required.
• Must be eligible for employment in the United States.