Specialist, Business Development

Position Summary:This position is responsible for providing Sales Managers (and their respective assigned Travel Partners and clients,) support in all selling activities. The goal is to ensure satisfaction and operational excellence, which in turn leads to increasing revenue performance. The Business Development Specialist supports Sales Managers responsible for working with a varied account base to assist departments in meeting or exceeding corporate growth goals via service support, telephone and electronic sales.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Supports selling activities including: (1) servicing any issues related to selling efforts raised by TPs, Clients, and Sales Managers, (2) generates selling opportunities, (3) assists all Sales Managers and TPs with strategic Sales & Marketing efforts. Reviews and acts on sales calls and inquiries for the various sales functions/fields, and Travel Partners. Leverages these interactions to create selling opportunities. Calls Travel Partners on behalf of the Sales Manager to assist in closing business, educate Travel Partners on the brand products, promotions and selling tools; introduces and/or creates brand awareness and identifies/qualifies selling opportunities. Uses sound and independent business judgment in the use of their individual Empowerment and Marketing dollars allocated to them. Partners up with all Sales Managers in the coordination and execution of corporate team events, trade related events such as ship tours, FAM training functions, and Seminars at Sea. Works within Sales and Business Development Support team to ensure accessibility and understanding of corporate and brand policies, procedures and key selling attributes. Works with Travel Partners to ensure Co-op marketing expenses are submitted timely and in accordance with established coop guidelines Networks and interacts with all relevant internal departments to act on requests and complete service resolution tasks. Performs other duties as required. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management. Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills: One to three years sales experience including cold calling is required. Associate or Bachelor a plus. Travel industry experience preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong presentation skills. Negotiation skills desired Ability to use advanced business and sales knowledge to make decisions. Building strong relationships across multiple departments is essential to the successful support of our travel partners and BDM's. A strong collaborative work ethic, along with sharing of ideas and experience is required, as BDS POD¿s of 4-5 team members are grouped by region. Use of sound judgment is important. Proficient in negotiation skills. Ability to use multiple communication and interaction methods to collaborate effectively, get results with others and develop customer champions. Demonstrate the highest level of personal integrity. Able to assume responsibility for personal and organizational results, and proactively develop greater results. Proficient in financial and business skills. Strong presentation and communication skills. Ability to demonstrate confidence and credibility. Ability to work well in a fast pace environment. Will be jointly responsible with the partnering Sales Managers to achieve quarterly and annual Sales Revenue goals.Proper management of allocated Empowerment funds. Work with Travel Partner sand Sales Manager to ensure Co-op marketing expenses are submitted timely and in accordance with established Co-op guidelines.