Sales Director, Southwest USA

Job Description: Position Summary: Strategically manage a sales territory, selling & marketing a global portfolio of Abercrombie & Kent products and experiences to the retail travel agency community, with a focus on the Luxury Travel & Leisure Markets. Implement a cost-effective sales strategy to meet or exceed A&K’s annual sales and revenue goals, working within a predetermined annual budget. Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Responsible for growing existing sales as well as an emphasis on prospecting for new business within the SOUTHWEST USA territory, which includes Southern California & Hawaii. The position should be in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego. Achievement of assigned revenue goals, agency, and advisor engagement metrics is required. Be the regional brand ambassador and instill confidence and loyalty in the A&K brand. Initiate and execute training and product knowledge seminars for travel advisors and consumers using brand-standard A/V presentations. Plan and manage sales activities of DMC and sister brand sales colleagues in the territory from time to time to provide maximum return on investment. Represent A&K at trade shows and travel agency-organized consumer events, including setup of brand standard displays as specified by Global Marketing, collateral and A/V. Cover events for other Sales Directors as needed. Ensure that all sales activities—including emails, phone calls, sales visits, and conferences, as well as market intelligence—are reported in OneIS in a timely manner and no later than the evening of the 4th of the month following the month of the activities. These activities should meet required metrics and be accurately reflected in the monthly sales summary. Submit all expenses in Concur according to company policy: corporate credit card expenses must be entered by the last day of the month, and out-of-pocket expenses must be submitted within 60 days. All entries should comply with the company’s travel and entertainment policy. Responsible for travel agency quality control and customer service issues in coordination with the appropriate A&K office. Provide travel agency/advisor updates for maintenance of the database, CRM, and invitation lists. Share market intelligence and best practices with A&K colleagues. Invite Independent Contractors from host agencies outside the sales territory to local events. Share contact information for ICs residing in other SDs’ territories. Skills and Abilities Experience in Strategic Territory Management. Excellent sales and customer service skills. Excellent presentation skills. Self-motivated and results-oriented. Excellent relationship-building skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in MS Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. The ability to set up a consumer show and trade show booth, including signage, table covering, decoration,n and collateral. The ability to lift parcels of up to 35 lbs. The ability to carry a laptop in carry-on luggage when traveling by air. Education and Additional Experience Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience. 5 – 10 years of experience in the travel industry sales. Extensive international destination knowledge, including A&K's top-selling destinations, preferred. Existing travel industry sales relationships in the assigned region and a demonstrated track record of sales success are required within a sales territory with a leading travel company. Special Requirements Must reside in the Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego metro area. Any future changes to this requirement must be approved by the Senior Vice President of Sales in advance of any relocation. 60% business travel is expected, including international destinations at times throughout the year. Must own or lease a reliable vehicle, including required liability insurance coverage, to be used for business purposes within a drivable distance from home. Must have the ability to receive and store sales collateral, home office equipment and trade show materials in or near home. Valid Driver’s License and Passport required. Must be eligible for employment in the United States. Salary Range 125,000-135,000 annually 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 employee travel discounts. 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 This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employee. EEO Statement Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. A&K Travel Group is a global lifestyle and travel company that sets the standard for refined and personalized travel experiences. Abercrombie & Kent is an international travel company, renowned for creating thrilling, innovative and ultra-luxurious journeys all over the world. Behind every A&K journey is an international support system of more than 2,500 staff, in 60 offices, in 35 countries, on all seven continents