Partner Assistance Associate

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection•Fort Lauderdale, FL

13d

About The Position

The Partner Assistance Associate (Trade Sales) serves as the primary point of contact for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, introducing the unique opportunity of our yacht vacations to travel agencies throughout the USA, Canada, and Latin America. The Partner Assistance Associate (Trade Sales) will foster strong guest relationships by managing a database of agencies that have expressed interest in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Superior customer service skills are required to explain rates, promotions, and answer questions regarding the yacht, suites, hotel, land, shore excursions, and air programs, as well as onboard amenities.

Requirements

Minimum 2-year college degree or 3 years’ experience equivalent
A minimum of 2 years of Customer Service and Sales experience required, ideally from a luxury cruise background
Experience working with the Travel Trade is preferred
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
Bilingual: Spanish; Portuguese is a plus
Must commit to delivering a high level of guest service
Familiarity with managing within several different technology platforms, including Salesforce, Central Reservations Systems, and the Office 365 suite, with proficiency in Excel
Ability to maintain positive, pleasant behavior while engaging customers & colleagues
Ability to learn and understand policies & procedures to make reservations and assist callers with each aspect of the booking process
Maintain a strong desire to learn all aspects of the product, including land, air, hotel, and shore excursion, to sell and service each reservation effectively
Ability to maximize opportunities to increase sales revenue by offering additional amenities and ancillary products
Ability to follow our exclusive RCYC Sales Process

Responsibilities

Promotes sales to Travel Agents and the Trade community by engaging with agents and partners on inbound calls, acting on leads, and/or prospects to identify travel needs, present/explain The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection products, and make travel recommendations.
Establishes and maintains quality relationships by delivering exceptional guest service, establishing rapport, identifying and meeting guest needs and expectations, including meeting guest retention goals, and following up with guests as necessary to close sales and meet/exceed revenue goals.
Service our travel partners and guests through every aspect of the reservations process, including promoting air, hotel, transfers, and Travel Protection.
Builds and maintains effective relationships with new and existing agency partners.
Manage trade prospect lists/contact database to identify client travel trends; Proactively and consistently seek opportunities to promote and sell The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection products based on guest travel history.
Use in-depth industry and company knowledge to articulate cruise product features, benefits and pricing, and make recommendations to include promotions, itineraries, and auxiliary products such as suite upgrades and shipboard amenities.
Attends and actively participates in daily team meetings, lineups, and trainings to enhance knowledge of internal processes, products, and destinations
Always maintain courteous & professional telephone etiquette, adhering to our Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection standards.
Exercise of discretion and independent judgment concerning all aspects of job functions.
Perform other job-related functions as assigned.