What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Trade Sales position at Grand Circle LLC?
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), part of Grand Circle Corporation, is expanding into the travel trade channel — leveraging partnerships with retail travel advisors, consortia, and host networks to drive growth and brand reach.
The Director of Travel Agency Sales will lead the development and execution of this new sales channel from the ground up. This role is responsible for crafting O.A.T.’s agency strategy, establishing partnerships, and building lasting relationships that align with our brand’s mission of meaningful, culturally immersive travel for Americans aged 50 .
Compensation & Total Rewards
Base Salary: $130,000–$180,000 (Boston, MA)
Incentive Bonus: $50,000–$90,000 annually
Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and on-site wellness programs
- Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, 11 paid holidays, Summer Fridays, and extended parental leave
- Travel Perks: Up to 50% off O.A.T. and Grand Circle trips for you and a companion
- Future Benefits: 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and disability coverage
Key Responsibilities
Channel Development & Strategy
- Design and execute O.A.T.’s travel agency and consortia sales strategy, including partnership models, contracting, and go-to-market approach.
- Develop scalable frameworks for commission structures, incentives, and training programs that drive performance and loyalty.
- Identify high-potential agencies and consortia to establish preferred partnerships and long-term business growth.
Revenue Growth & Performance
- Deliver measurable passenger and revenue growth through the agency channel, with accountability for targets, profitability, and ROI.
- Leverage data and analytics to track partner performance, optimize spend, and refine sales priorities.
Relationship Management
- Build trusted relationships with key partners across the U.S. travel trade
- Serve as the face of O.A.T. to the travel advisor community, representing our brand at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
Trade Marketing & Enablement
- Collaborate with Marketing and Product teams to create compelling trade marketing materials, training content, and co-op campaigns.
- Oversee FAM trips, webinars, and roadshows to engage advisors and showcase the O.A.T. experience.
- Champion the development of an agent portal and communication tools to streamline engagement.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with internal teams — including Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Customer Experience — to ensure smooth integration of trade partnerships into our overall distribution strategy.
- Maintain brand integrity by ensuring the agency channel enhances, rather than competes with, our direct-to-consumer business.
Qualifications
- 10 years of progressive sales experience in the travel, tourism, or hospitality industry, including at least 3–5 years managing travel agency or trade partnerships.
- Demonstrated success launching or scaling a trade sales channel for a tour operator, cruise line, or experiential travel brand.
- Established network within the U.S. travel advisor and consortia community.
- Deep understanding of agency economics, preferred agreements, and consortia dynamics.
- Entrepreneurial spirit — energized by the opportunity to build something new within a respected, mission-driven organization.
About Us
Grand Circle Corporation is a global leader in international travel, adventure, and discovery for Americans aged 50 . Headquartered in Boston, MA, and supported by more than 45 offices worldwide, our award-winning brands — Grand Circle Cruise Line, Grand Circle Travel, and Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) — have guided more than two million travelers on journeys that change lives
Salary : $50,000 - $90,000
