Position Summary:

The Private Travel Consultant is responsible for the design, pricing, and sale of itineraries that are tailored to exceedthe requirements and expectations of A&K’s most discerning guests and advisors, including VIPs, Chairman’s Club members, and Custom Groups.

Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Demonstrate competency of destination knowledge worldwide and the full product portfolio
• Building a client base of repeat business
• Meet or exceed established sales goals
• Develop and maintain a network of existing and new clientele through outbound sales calls in order to build relationships
• Actively manage guest relationships with a variety of touch points (ie acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
• Design custom Tailormade itineraries in consultation with guests and Travel Advisors for FIT and custom groups
• Evaluate pricing received from DMC or Third-Party suppliers to ensure value (A&K value and price value)
• Communicate and advocate product and price value in support of successful conversions
• Confirm required services with DMC and Third-Party suppliers
• Manage all financial aspects of booking in accordance with company guidelines
• Ensure all Travel Studio and OneIs booking details are complete and accurate in accordance with department guidelines
• Maximize conversions by following up on Option Quote and Quote Pending bookings in CRM within the established timeframe
• Research flight schedules, hotel availability, and other Sabre procedures as necessary
• Meet or exceed established A&K Service standards
• Maintain a minimum number of hours available on the phone per department guidelines
• Make recommendations for process, procedure, and technology improvements
• Collaborate with Sales Assistants to coordinate all pre- and final documents, and assist with guest/TA contact
• Collaborate with internal departments to facilitate the booking process and sales
• Assist Guest Relations on post-tour issues to ensure guest satisfaction is maintained
• Sales projects as determined by management

Skills And Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on telephone sales
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Strong worldwide geographic, destination, cultural, and world affairs knowledge
• Act as a positive role model for the Tailormade team
• Drive to achieve results, initiate personal goals, and close sales
• Intermediate computer skills required (Microsoft Office) andthe ability to quickly master new technologies
• Good judgment and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Advanced Sabre skills required, intermediate skills preferred
• Must be able to read/write/speak in English
• Foreign language skills preferred

Education And Additional Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
• High School diploma required
• Three years of travel industry experience required
• Three years of sales experience required

Special Requirements

• Evening, weekend, and approved overtime may be required
• Domestic travel in conjunction with the Sales Director's sales calls
• International travel may be required (and maintain a current passport)
• The position can be fully remote, within the Chicagoland area.

Salary Range

• $55k, with additional earning potential through sales incentives.

Benefits

A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible full-time employees. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee, such as group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and travel discounts through the use of an IATAN Travel Professional card. Other elective benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental life insurance, pre-tax healthcare and dependent FSAs, and a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

EEO Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.