To provide a consistently superior cruise vacation by exceeding customer expectations and embracing our passion for innovation that delivers freedom and value for our guests, travel partners, team members and shareholders.
   
Norwegian Cruise Line is currently looking for an enthusiastic and qualified Business Developement Manager - IN THE DALLAS OR HOUSTON AREA.

CANDIDATES MUST RESIDE IN THE DALLAS OR HOUSTON AREA.

BASIC SUMMARY:

Develop, maintain and service travel agent business relationships within assigned territory.  Participate in the growth of travel agency revenues. Design and implement local marketing and promotional programs to achieve and maximize territory sales objectives.  Within corporate guidelines, represent the company as the brand ambassador for that region to create a positive perception and establish travel agent partnerships using a variety of strategies and innovative methods.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and continually source for new revenue opportunities and methods within assigned accounts to achieve sales goals utilizing Customer Centric sales strategies.
 
Retain and manage business relationships for each travel agency and develop personalized approach to help maximize agencies' profits.  Generate ideas and strategies to actively participate in travel agency growth.

Service travel agency needs via problem resolution utilizing knowledge of company products, services and support from headquarter based sales team. Follow-up and ensure facilitation of problem through to resolution in a timely fashion. 

Develop a plan to remain accessible to travel partners and maintain open communication channels.  Develop a personal plan to meet customer expectations for accessibility consistent with company 24 hour turn-around practices.

Plan, create and implement an annual territory sales plan to ensure achievement of assigned goals for FIT and Group business (refer to territory goals on FIT/Group mix). 

Review sales plan, accounts, promotional efforts and ROI monthly to determine success track; make adjustments to plan accordingly.

Develop a pre/post sales call strategy and make 4 qualitative sales contacts per day (refer to BDM definition of sales call).  Plan for daily prospecting/cold calling based on the 4 core sales contacts to generate a sale.

Create and execute promotional programs; provide promotional materials to travel agents.  Make recommendations to enhance travel agent marketing effectiveness and ensure brand standards are met. 

Manage budget within guidelines to include travel, coop, supplies, advertisement and promotions; review total budget at the end of each month.

Negotiate sales plans and group contracts. Support key and channel accounts, promotions and events.

Analyze accounts' sales and marketing plans and Return on Investment (ROI); make adjustments when needed. Analysis to be done after completion of each initiative and discussed with account, on monthly call or quarterly review.

Conduct seminars, familiarization cruises, cruise events, trade and consumer shows, etc as needed.

Remain current on corporate information, policies, procedures, sales and marketing programs, corporate communications and related materials. Follow corporate policies and procedures.

Develop plan for personal development including but not limited to e-commerce strategies, technical skills and soft skills training on an annual basis.

Perform other job related functions as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field of study; or any equivalent combination of relevant background and/or sales experience

EXPERIENCE:

3-5 years sales experience, preferably in the travel industry. Experience negotiating and drafting contracts required. 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite to include intermediate level skills with Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.  Knowledge of or ability to learn FreeStyle Connect, CRM (Customer Relation Management) and e-commerce channels.  Ability to build personal credibility by way of solid product knowledge, services, procedures, consistent follow-through and problem solving skills.  Ability to implement contracts using superior negotiation and presentation skills.  Creative abilities to develop a personal brand for selling unique cruise vacations and building relationships within assigned territories.  Ability to adapt to a quickly changing sales environment; ability to shift priorities per business and/or territory demands.  Analytical skills sufficient to translate revenue results and effectively manage budget and forecasting.  Ability to prepare and analyze cost of sale results.  Planning skills for developing a sales strategy for assigned territory.  Interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team based environment.  Effective time management skills to work independently and meet sales goals.  Business acumen to combine product knowledge and understand dynamics of profitability.  Business acumen to maintain knowledge of market and competitive trends.  Customer-centric skills to foster and maintain business relationships and drive results.  Excellent verbal and written command of English sufficient to support travel partners with questions/issues as well as to effectively diffuse situations whenever necessary.  Ability to travel within field sales territory, hold a valid state drivers' license and maintain a clean driving record. Ability to work evenings and/or weekends.  Ability to bend and lift up to 30 lbs to pack and transport marketing collateral to travel agents, with reasonable accommodation. Ability to stand for long periods of time for presentations and provide walking tours for clients onboard vessels, with reasonable accommodation.