Collette is seeking a Business Development Manager for our Northern Illinois territory. The ideal candidate must reside within the territory.

About Collette: Let Us Show You the World

There has never been a better time to be in the travel industry. See the world, connect with others, and experience the immersive benefits of one of the trendiest industries when you join the Collette team! As the longest-running tour operator in North America, our family-owned business leads the industry in innovation and expertise. Collette’s passionate team works hard to fulfill travel dreams and is always looking for talent that will help to shape the company’s future. Being part of the Collette team means having a willingness to grow, a desire to learn and ask questions, and a zest for seeing the world. From giving back to local communities to creating incredible experiences for a world of travelers and being part of a value-oriented team that cares for one another – Collette is all about the people. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey starts here.

Job Summary:

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for selling guided travel and identifying potential growth areas, opening new accounts and developing long-term relationships with guests and travel professionals.

Traveling throughout their territory, the Business Development Manager promotes the benefits of Collette travel experiences, actively supports partner marketing efforts and presents to potential travelers on a daily basis.

Responsible for soliciting new accounts, and maintaining relationships with existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals in support of the organization's strategic priorities.

Primary Functions:

• Act as Collette brand ambassador while partnering with travel professionals in promotion and education of Collette’s products to produce revenue in the assigned territory while achieving and surpassing sales goals.
• Close both B2B and B2C sales through effective communication and critical thinking in alignment with the sales strategy.
• Strategically prospect for new business to drive revenue and gain market share leveraging technology, relationships, and in person meetings.
• Develops an understanding of assigned territory’s existing partnerships and potential partnerships to enable a strategic approach in line with sales and company priorities.
• Leverage data to ensure activities are aligned to priorities and are having desired results on revenue and market share.
• Partner with internal departments to ensure customers’ needs are communicated, appropriate expectations are set and repeat business is created.
• Lead education of travel professionals in regards to the Collette brand, product offerings, special promotions, techniques to sell Collette tours, and any other relevant information.
• Actively participate and contribute to educational and development programs such as international/domestic sales meetings, product seminars, and trade shows and is an active participant in the learning opportunities.

Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or any combination of education and experience may be considered.
• History of high levels of achievement and overcoming obstacles in business, academics, or athletics
• Strong relationship development and management skills
• Effective communicator in varying mediums and to a variety of audiences
• Proactive, trustworthy and self-driven approach to business
• Growth mindset leading to continual development
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Passion for developing a personal brand in alignment with Collette’s brand
• Ability to be self-sufficient through problem solving and leveraging all available resources
• Capacity to travel overnight – up to 5 nights a month and to domestic and international sales trips

Collette offers a comprehensive benefits package, competitive salaries, uncapped commission and bonus plans, and more.

Starting Annual Salary: $60,000