Air Buyer

ITA Group Inc•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Event Air Buyer analyzes, prepares and finalizes projected air pricing models, profiles and overviews for all group travel proposals, statements of work and change orders, including, but not limited to, any airline/charter contracting and purchase of blocked seats on behalf of the client. This role requires attention to client audience details, current market trends (e.g. airline service levels) and air service seasonal and pricing fluctuations.

Requirements

Minimum two years travel agency, airlines or incentive house experience or college degree in related subject.
Knowledge and familiarization of domestic and international air and travel destinations.
Knowledge and familiarization with air tariff rule structure and airline ticketing policies.
Working knowledge of reservations CRS automation system (TP+ preferred).
Working knowledge ofM365 tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to act as a resource to other employees
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to interact professionally and positively with a varying group of internal and external customers.
Ability to analyze data and document projected results in clear written communication, as well as verbally explain to internal and external customers.
Excellent organization and time management skills.
Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Travel degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Participate in planning meetings with Event Buyers. Analyze the client-specific air needs and destination air dynamic of each assigned program, and lead discussions to determine the best destination options and most strategic approach to pricing for each client.
Deliver well-researched and competitively priced air solutions for presentations and contracts.
Acknowledge the needs of internal and external customers and complete projects by the established deadline date.
Develop an informative and concise air presentation for each assigned program. Provide financial matrix and strategy information to assist in targeting destinations in the presentation phase.
Develop pricing strategies to maintain maximum profitability on the Air component of programs.
Finalize and develop the air components of an ITA Group statement of work for each sold program and complete all necessary program information.
When applicable, develop a change order and communicate all details of any pricing fluctuation or airline blocked space commitment to the client, Event Operations. When applicable, develop a change order and communicate all details of any pricing fluctuation or airline blocked space commitment to the client ,Event Operations Event Manager and Account Executive. Thoroughly document all communications and finalization information to ensure a smooth transition to the operational team.
Identify forced overnight/late arrival/early departure issues based on the air scheduling and available seat inventory
Maintain and improve technical knowledge of domestic and international tariffs, net fare procedures and pricing options and tactics.
Maintain working knowledge of zone fares and other negotiating options available. Be current on location and content of blanket contractual agreements with air suppliers.
Analyze and compare air costs, modify deposit schedules and customize value-added services for assigned programs.
Qualify and, when appropriate, support client-preferred supplier agreements in program pricing and documentation finalizations.
Provide quality control by thoroughly proofreading all documents.
Produce a thorough and detailed e-book, including all air arrangements and communication, prior to transferring the information to Air Operations.
Maintain client historical profiles (A.I.R.s file), updating and incorporating relevant client idiosyncrasies and data.
Attend supplier meetings and educational seminars to expand overall knowledge of the industry
Ability to flex hours when needed.
Establish and maintain supplier relationships and contact information.
Provide support to the Air Operations Team during peak season
As directed by Air Purchasing and Operations management, provide booking, ticketing, qc and flight coverage assistance during Air Operations peak program booking and travel periods
Mentor employees within Air Purchasing and Operations in regard to the presentation and contracting processes.