| Location | Des Plaines, IL |
Job Summary: This is a new role for a Tour Operator who wants someone who could lead and scale their first-ever Travel Advisor Relations Program. This role requires setting the strategy, building the trade channel from the ground up, and executing the day-to-day work of turning relationships into revenue. The ideal candidate would be someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and dive in, not only as a Business Development Manager, but someone who has the foresight to build a team while taking ownership of a brand new growth channel.
Responsibilities:
Design and growing the travel advisor and trade partner program
Define the structure for advisor incentives, commission arrangements, preferred partner agreements and educational programs
Set KPIs to track program performance
Proactively identify, prospect, and secure partnerships with independent travel advisors, host agencies, and consortia
Partner with internal teams (marketing, product) to develop advisor-facing collateral, sales toolkits, and communications
Maintain rigorous CRM discipline to track leads, pipeline, and advisor performance
Represent the company at trade shows, conferences and industry events.
Job Requirements:
8+ years' business development, sales, or account management experience
Possess a well-established network of travel advisors and trade relationships to hit the ground running
Self-starter who thrives on building something from the ground up with minimal oversight
Experience leading/managing teams
Excellent sales, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Comfortable with CRM systems
Willingness to travel for advisor visits, trade shows, and industry events (estimated 25% travel)
The "ideal candidate" is someone who:
Possesses a genuine enthusiasm for the travel industry
Is flexible, patient, and kind
Possesses good interpersonal skills and a desire to help grow a respected family business into its next chapter