Manager, Business Development

Responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to educate and empower travel agents, with the objective of driving sales growth and expanding market share within the assigned territory. This role oversees travel agency accounts, consistently working toward surpassing performance goals and benchmarks. As a Business Development Manager (BDM), the position is directly accountable for promotional efforts that generate revenue from agency driven sales for Carnival Cruise Line. Engagement with accounts is carried out through in person visits that are expected daily, and may also include virtual webinars, phone outreach, and written communications. Importantly, this role focuses solely on B2B sales activities and does not involve direct-to-consumer transactions.

Job Functions:

• Territory Management & Strategic Sales Execution: Design and implement strategies for territory management and business development. Make assigned sales calls per week to travel agency accounts. Conduct sales blitzes to support specific company initiatives.

• Travel Agent Relationship Building & Support: Foster long-term relationships with travel agents to drive sales growth. Maintain frequent contact with RVP/VP North America to ensure territory needs are met. Collaborate with the Strategic Partner Division to manage shared accounts.

• Training & Education: Conduct training sessions and webinars to educate travel agents on Carnival Cruise Line offerings, promotions, and booking processes. Develop and deliver engaging training materials, including presentations, videos, and interactive content. Organize ship inspections, trade shows, pier side overnights, and seminars at sea.

• Marketing & Promotional Strategy: Enhance promotional effectiveness and develop marketing strategies. Provide travel agents with promotional materials and make recommendations to improve agency marketing efforts.

• Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed agency database through Oracle Sales Cloud or current CRM. Complete required reporting of activities and track budgeted tools.

• Budget & Co-op Management: Manage territory budget and co-op marketing needs in alignment with corporate guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• The Business Development Manager serves as the primary liaison between Carnival and travel agency partners within a designated territory. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of accounts, executing strategic sales initiatives, and delivering training and marketing support to drive revenue growth. The BDM operates independently in the field, representing the brand and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives across all agency interactions.

• The BDM must navigate a dynamic and competitive travel landscape, identifying opportunities for growth and resolving challenges that arise within agency relationships. This includes adapting strategies to meet territory-specific needs, analyzing performance data to inform decision-making, and responding to market shifts with agility. The role requires a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles and leveraging insights to optimize sales outcomes.

• This role directly influences Carnival Cruise Line's market share and revenue performance through strategic engagement with travel agents. By fostering long-term relationships, delivering impactful training, and promoting brand initiatives, the BDM ensures that Carnival remains top-of-mind among agency partners. Success in this role contributes to increased bookings, enhanced brand visibility, and stronger partnerships across the travel distribution channel.

• While not a direct people manager, the BDM demonstrates leadership through influence, collaboration, and strategic guidance. The role involves leading training sessions, coordinating cross-functional initiatives with internal teams (e.g., Strategic Partner Division), and serving as a trusted advisor to travel agents. The BDM also contributes to the broader sales strategy by sharing territory insights and participating in company-wide promotional efforts.

For all roles:

• Knowledge:  Understanding of workplace policies and procedures / Familiarity with team collaboration tools and techniques.

• Skills:  Strong time management and organizational skills

• Abilities:  Ability to maintain reliable and consistent attendance / Capacity to be punctual and meet deadlines / Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work as part of a team / Demonstrated professionalism in all interactions and tasks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
  5+ years of proven experience in sales and marketing, preferably within the travel or hospitality industry

• Proven experience in sales, preferably within the travel or hospitality industry
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
  Strong understanding of travel agent distribution channel.
  Self- motivated, proactive, and results oriented.   

Physical Demands:  Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.  Requires regular movement throughout CCL facilities.

Travel:  25-50% with non-shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions:  Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

This position is classified as "in-office."  As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Tuesday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Mondays and Fridays.  Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. 

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.   

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival's discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including: 

• Health Benefits:
  • Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans 
  • Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources 
  • Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage  
• Financial Benefits:
  • 401(k) plan that includes a company match 
  • Employee Stock Purchase plan 
• Paid Time Off
  • Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee's discretion.  
  • Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure. 
  • Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.   
• Other Benefits
  • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends 
  • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement  
  • On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus 

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