Regional Sales Marketing Manager

BASIC PURPOSE: Responsible for developing, maintaining and servicing a designated portfolio of top producing, primarily non-contract travel agency accounts within an assigned territory. Maintain and further develop travel agency relationships within territory. Design and implement local and national marketing and promotional programs to achieve and maximize territory sales objectives. Within corporate guidelines, represent the company as the brand ambassador for that region to create a positive perception and establish travel agent partnerships. Develop marketing plans and a variety of strategies, marketing initiatives and innovative methods to stimulate agency revenue growth targets.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and continually source for new revenue opportunities and methods within assigned top accounts to achieve sales goals within territory.
• Retain and manage business relationships for each travel agency and develop personalized approach to help maximize agencies' profits.
• Create and execute marketing ideas and sales strategies to actively participate in travel agency growth. Leverage Regional and Head Office marketing expertise to assist assigned Travel Partner in 'Marketing to Fill' sales strategy
• Service travel agency needs via problem resolution utilizing knowledge of company products, services and support from headquarter based sales teams. Follow-up and ensure facilitation of problem through to resolution in a timely fashion.
• Develop a plan to remain accessible to travel partners and maintain open communication channels. Develop a personal plan to meet customer expectations for accessibility consistent with company 24 hour turn-around practices.
• Plan, create and implement an annual territory sales and marketing plan for top producing accounts to ensure achievement of assigned goals for FIT and Group business (refer to territory goals on FIT/Group mix). Review sales plan, accounts, promotional efforts and ROI monthly to determine success track and make adjustments to plan accordingly. Implement marketing and sales tactics for each account to assist in travel agency revenue growth.
• Utilize existing data and reports to develop strategic and tactical plans for achieving territory revenue goals. Assist with recommendations and implementation of local and national marketing incentive programs when needed to achieve and maximize territory sales.
• Develop a pre/post sales call strategy and make productive sales contacts daily - consisting of in-person calls with top performing partners, zoom meeting calls, webinars, outbound phone calls, small group meetings, metro meetings and utilizing social media to engage with partners within assigned region.
• Create and execute promotional programs and provide promotional materials to travel agents to assist in selling NCL products. Make recommendations to enhance travel agent marketing effectiveness and ensure brand standards are met.
• Manage budget within guidelines to include travel, marketing funds, supplies, advertisement and promotions; review total budget at the end of each month and report expenses. Be flexible in changing planned investments due to changing company needs throughout the year.
• Negotiate sales plans and group contracts. Support key, strategic and national accounts, promotions and events.
• Analyze and track accounts' sales and marketing plans and Return on Investment (ROI); make adjustments when needed. Analysis to be done after completion of each initiative and discussed with account, on monthly call or quarterly review.
• Conduct seminars, webinars, familiarization cruises, ship tours, training events, cruise events, trade and consumer shows, etc as needed.
• Remain current on corporate information, policies, procedures, sales and marketing programs, corporate communications and related pertinent materials. Follow corporate policies and procedures.
• Utilize Salesforce.com on a consistent basis to maintain updated account status for all communication and account interaction. Use existing data and reports to further develop strategic and tactical plans for achieving territory goals with all top producing accounts.
• Represent the company providing excellent service, consistent, prompt and professional communication and projecting a professional image at account conferences, conventions, trade shows, seminars, ship inspections and other sales-related functions as appropriate.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field of study; or any equivalent combination of relevant background and/or sales experience.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum 6 years of sales or account management experience, preferably in the travel industry.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite to include intermediate to advanced level skills with Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint as well as Zoom/Go To meeting platforms.
• Strong knowledge of current and developing Social Media platforms. Knowledge of or ability to learn Norwegian reservation systems such as Seaware and Seaweb and e-commerce channels.
• Ability to build personal credibility by way of solid product knowledge, services, procedures, consistent follow-through and problem-solving skills.
• Have excellent communication skills as well as an overall understanding of working directly with agency owners, marketing professionals and front-line travel advisors.
• Proven ability to implement contracts using superior negotiation and presentation skills. Creative abilities to develop a personal brand for selling unique cruise vacations and building relationships within assigned territories.
• Ability to adapt to a quickly changing sales environment; ability to shift priorities per business and/or territory demands. Analytical skills sufficient to translate revenue results and effectively manage budget and forecasting.
• Ability to prepare and analyze cost of sale results. Planning skills for developing a sales and marketing strategy for assigned territory.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team-based environment. Effective time management skills to work independently and meet sales goals. Business acumen to combine product knowledge and understand dynamics of profitability. Business acumen to maintain knowledge of market and competitive trends within the travel and cruise industry.
• Possess the ability to foster and maintain business relationships and drive results. Excellent verbal and written command of English sufficient to support travel partners with questions/issues as well as to effectively diffuse situations whenever necessary.
• Ability to travel within regional territory, nationally and internationally, hold a valid state driver's license and maintain a clean driving record.
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Ability to bend and lift up to 30 lbs. to pack and transport marketing collateral to travel agents, with reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time for presentations and provide walking tours for clients onboard vessels, with reasonable accommodation.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: NCLH does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered NCLH property, and NCLH will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to Hiring Managers without contacting the NCLH Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.