Business Development Manager - North Florida Region

MSC Cruises • Fort Lauderdale, FL

1d

About The Position

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth in the Northern Florida territory by building strategic relationships with travel agency partners. As the territory’s primary commercial owner, the BDM identifies ways to grow existing accounts, activate new business, increase agency engagement, and expand MSC Cruises’ presence in the travel advisor community.

The role combines relationship management, sales strategy, education, territory development, marketing investment, and disciplined execution. The BDM acts as a business partner to travel advisors and agencies, helping them grow their MSC Cruises business through education, business planning, and strategic sales initiatives. The position requires approximately 60% travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant sales experience.
• At least 5 years of field-based sales experience.
• Experience negotiating contracts valued at more than $150,000.
• At least 3 years of experience managing relationships with travel partners for a cruise line or other travel business.
• Experience negotiating and creating marketing plans.
• Basic knowledge of customer relationship management software.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to build credibility through product knowledge, knowledge of procedures, consistent follow-through, and problem-solving.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills, including the ability to execute agreements.
• Ability to prepare and analyze Cost of Sale results.
• Business acumen, including knowledge of market and competitive trends.
• Effective time-management skills and ability to work independently.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and commitments, organize efficiently, manage time effectively, and adapt to complex or shifting priorities.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel as required.
• US passport or US permanent resident status.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities in the assigned Northern Florida territory, researching potential revenue streams and sales strategies to achieve territory goals.
• Build new travel agency business and retain and manage relationships with existing agencies.
• Develop personalized approaches and strategies to help agencies maximize profits and grow their business.
• Create and implement an annual territory sales plan to achieve sales objectives and assigned goals.
• Review sales plans, accounts, promotional efforts, and return on investment monthly, adjusting plans when necessary.
• Remain accessible to travel partners and maintain open communication, making a minimum of 25 sales calls per week.
• Manage travel, co-op, and other expenses within budget guidelines and review spending monthly.
• Support National Accounts marketing programs, promotions, and events.
• Analyze sales data and present monthly and quarterly business reviews to accounts, making recommendations.
• Conduct seminars, familiarization cruises, cruise events, and trade and consumer shows as needed.
• Stay current on corporate information, policies, procedures, sales and marketing programs, communications, and related materials.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level