We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sales Manager to join our thriving tour operator business, specifically our Sales Support Team.
The ideal candidate will be at the forefront of shaping our travel offerings through strategically driving sales growth and enhancing operational efficiency within the organisation.
This role requires a multifaceted expertise in sales performance, client experience, compliance, collaboration, and reporting to ensure a holistic approach to managing top client experiences and driving business success.
Key Responsibilities: Monitoring critical metrics and evaluating the performance of teams and individuals.
Identifying growth opportunities or knowledge gaps within the sales team and designing personal development plans for individuals.
Managing strategic departmental goals, such as the achievement of annual preferred supplier override agreements.
Developing and overseeing the implementation of repeat and referral reactivation.
Driving sales through constant coaching, motivation, and feedback.
Developing and maintaining best practices and continually updating and recording processes.
Producing summary and bi-directional reporting and highlighting trends in sales team data.
Ensuring the sales team remains motivated and that the company culture and values are promoted.
Carrying out periodic performance management reviews on the team (quarterly or other).
Overseeing operational capacity, including the scheduling of leave cycles, shifts, and absentees to enable optimal operations at all times.
Acting as the first level in vetting and resolving client and supplier service issues.
Supervising and ensuring fulfilment of administrative tasks: deposits, supplier payments, ad-hoc reporting, etc.
Managing the entire client service cycle, including: Reviewing sales communications to ensure compliance with brand tone and client-centric approach.
Monitoring initial client contact, response time, and content.
The active inclusion of sales tools (discounts, specials, etc.)
during the quotation process.
Supervision of touch points from booking to post-travel.
Collaboration with the Concierge Manager regarding supervision of documents and dispatch output.
Overseeing post-travel client feedback and building relationships.
Communication and content production, trade shows, and any other responsibilities as designated by management.
Collaborating with the Product Team to plan educational requirements, capacity, and site inspections.
Collaborating with Marketing for newsletters and content creation.
Preparing weekly sales meetings with sales teams, including setting agendas, collating data, and preparing all relevant information.
Preparing weekly team performance updates for the Revenue Manager.
Identifying PIPS and PDP in collaboration with the Revenue Manager.
Preparing monthly sales reports on team performance against target.
Qualifications and Skills: A National Senior Certificate/Matric.
3 to 5 years' experience in a senior sales leadership role with a proven track record of success within the tour operator environment.
Experience working with Tour Operator Software (i.e., Kaptio).
Excellent leadership and team management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a senior sales leadership role within the tour operator environment.
