Overview

Hessle, London or Tunbridge Wells and/or Hybrid (with occasional travel to the other offices to meet the demands of the business along with travel to client offices, and travel onsite as required). We are looking for an experienced Business Development professional to join our Groups and Events team at an exciting time in its journey where two travel management Companies have merged (Good Travel Management and CT Travel Group). This has developed into an £85m+ turnover company, with ambitious growth plans. We are part of a high growth, innovative 6th generation family business - John Good Group, who over the past two years have undergone considerable transformation and growth, including multiple acquisitions in several sectors. This brand-new role is an exciting opportunity for anyone with a strong background in business development and strategic planning within the Travel industry and exceptional relationship building skills.

Responsibilities

• Business development: Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy focused on Groups & Events including identifying new markets, target audiences, potential revenue streams, partnerships and growth areas.
• Think strategically: set aims and objectives to develop and improve the business offerings and reach new audiences.
• Leverage your established industry network to unlock opportunities, secure meetings and drive meaningful conversations with key decision makers.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team, Groups & Events Director and Head of Groups Planning & Delivery to generate new ideas and campaigns to drive business.

• Client relationship management: Build and maintain strong relationships with new clients to generate repeat business as well as finding new opportunities.
• Lead client review meetings and catchups to strengthen relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Be the point of escalation and resolve any customer service issues in a timely manner.

• Solution design: In collaboration with the wider team, lead, shape and deliver responses to newly secured client briefs, RFIs and RFPs, including:
  • Consulting clients to take and qualify new briefs (challenging as required).
  • Proposal creation - ensuring that proposals are relevant, accurate, creative and commercially viable.
  • Budget creation with a focus on maximising Gross Margins.

• Operational: Review and negotiate contract terms with clients and key suppliers. Travel to site inspections and onsite as required to maintain and develop client relationships.

• Commercial: Responsible for having a full awareness of the Groups & Events financial targets and supporting the team to achieve and exceed them, including but not limited to:
  • Identifying opportunities for add-ons and additional services using industry knowledge and commercial awareness.
  • Maximising GM by making clients aware of the value of the services that are being provided.

• Established industry relationships: Excellent knowledge of destinations and industry trends. Knowledge of Pipedrive would be beneficial but a willingness to learn is a requirement. Familiarity with the event planning process, including logistics, operations, and marketing. Professional attitude with a proven track record of new business development and client servicing in the travel, groups and events sector. A track record of bringing in new briefs, holding relevant client relationships and winning pitches. Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams. Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, identify market opportunities, and adapt to changing market conditions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to both internal and external audiences. Highly skilled in using the full range of Microsoft Office products (including Teams, Excel, PPT and Word) as well as web-based sharing tools (e.g. SharePoint). Be confident in using new technology solutions introduced for both internal and external use and be willing to undertake training. An experienced multi-tasker who can juggle multiple briefs, projects and tasks. Commercially minded. Excellent time management skills. Excellent attention-to-detail and accuracy. Strong problem solving and decision-making abilities. Willing to take a hands-on approach to support a growing team. Flexibility to travel.

• Personal attributes: A passion for travel and delivering exceptional client experiences. Strong work ethic and team player attitude with strong independent initiative. Professional drive and can-do approach. Curious with a focus on professional and personal development. Able to cope well under pressure.

Benefits

Good Travel Management are specialists in providing travel solutions to SME businesses across the UK, ensuring a seamless door-to-door experience for our customers. We are one of the first TMCs in the world to achieve operation carbon neutrality (certified by RSM). We place Environmental and Social Governance at the heart of how we operate.

Good Travel Management is part of sixth-generation, family business, the John Good Group. Winners of the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Awards 2022 for Family Business of the Year and Best Social Impact. Founded on family values, we put our people, planet, and communities at the heart of everything we do.

• £55,000 per annum (plus bonus/commission package)
• The 'Good' things you can get:
  • Birthday day off work
  • Pension Scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Health cash plan
  • Gym and retail discounts
  • YuLife Wellbeing & ESG app
  • Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP
  • Family friendly policies including enhanced Mat/Pat leave and SPP
  • Free Will writing service
  • Employee Referral Scheme
  • Employee Service Award Scheme
  • Employee Volunteering and matched charitable donations
  • Social events
  • Personal & professional development budget
  • Discounted Travel
  • Educational trips