Sales & Account Manager – Agency

This is a dynamic, high-energy role that requires a proactive and results-driven individual with expert negotiation and sales skills. Reporting directly to the Head of Distribution & Demand, you will be driving the development and success of Navarino’s Distribution & Demand (D&D) products and services.

You’ll be at the forefront of supporting our Agency & Corporate Sales, as well as our RFP process, all while spearheading the creation of new partnerships and agreements to boost revenue through Navarino’s booking channels. With a focus on growing business from GDS and other key channels, you’ll play a pivotal role in taking our Distribution & Demand offerings to the next level through an exciting, forward-thinking strategy.

In addition, you’ll contribute to the development of impactful marketing materials that support our business growth.

To excel in this role, you must be highly skilled in contract negotiations, sales tactics, and managing multiple deadlines with multiple stakeholders. Your attention to detail, exceptional communication abilities (both written and verbal), and passion for delivering top-tier service will be key to your success in this fast-paced, rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Partner directly with the Head of D&D to drive strategy and deliver results across all facets of the role.
Take ownership of managing and expanding key agency partnerships, including delivering presentations, hosting hotel partner events, overseeing RFPs, and swiftly resolving any issues to ensure continued success.
Actively scout and secure new opportunities and partnerships within the corporate travel market, unlocking new revenue streams and boosting performance across Navarino’s booking channels.
Collaborate seamlessly with the Operations & Sales Teams to resolve hotel account queries related to D&D products and services, providing expert support and ensuring client satisfaction.
Lead the creation and distribution of high-impact marketing materials, driving brand awareness both internally and externally.
Spearhead the integration of D&D sales activity and marketing collateral with social platforms, enhancing visibility and engagement to drive demand.
Take a lead role in the development and execution of the annual Consortia RFP process, driving both internal alignment and seamless collaboration with hotel and agency partners.
Take charge of RFP generation, cultivating and strengthening relationships with current agents and corporate clients while proactively identifying and capitalising on new opportunities to drive demand.
Provide strategic administrative support, ensuring flawless documentation management, meticulous CRM logging, and a smooth, organised flow of activity across teams.
Undertake ad hoc duties and projects as required to support D&D Solutions

The successful candidate will be able to:

- Master all Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and stay agile with Google and other essential work systems.
- Exhibit a deep understanding of the GDS (Global Distribution System) and its pivotal role in the corporate travel market.
- Showcase a flair for creating compelling marketing and promotional materials that capture attention and drive results.
- Demonstrate a quick learning ability with new systems and platforms, including RFP Tools, CRS, CRM, Reporting Tools, and more.
- Work independently with confidence, prioritising tasks and taking initiative, while seamlessly collaborating with a larger team to achieve shared goals.
- Exhibit exceptional organisational skills, consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining clear, accurate records.
- Bring strong, proven account management skills to the table, with a track record of building and maintaining successful client relationships.
- Show a strong commitment to confidentiality, ensuring sensitive information is always protected.
- Be ready to travel regularly, both within the UK and internationally, with a valid driving license as an essential requirement

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agency or corporate sales, specifically within the independent hotel sector, or a proven track record in proactive sales within the business travel/TMC market. A solid understanding of GDS platforms is essential, and experience in contracting corporate client rates or agency rate agreements will be highly advantageous. Familiarity with RFP platforms such as Lanyon, HRS, and others would also be a valuable asset.

This individual will be self-motivated, thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic sales environment. They will be confident and comfortable in client-facing situations, leading review meetings, delivering presentations, hosting events, and managing contract negotiations when necessary. With a keen eye for detail, they will be passionate about maintaining brand standards and bringing creativity to the development of impactful marketing materials.

The role could be home based (subject to agreement), but will require regular visits to our Witney, Oxon Office and offsite meetings with clients, partners and colleagues as required.

Personal Attributes:

Multicultural awareness – instinctively knowing how to operate.
Language skills – English, other languages would be beneficial
Innovative thinker – able to join dots together (or choose to leave them as dots).
Emotionally intelligent – empathetic and caring.
Great communication skills – written, oral and listening.
Great collaboration style – understanding and aligning with partners.
Influential and inspirational – create advocates and supporters.