Vice President, Global Air Sales & Operations

Abercrombie & Kent•Downers Grove, IL

10d•$140,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for Global Air at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group level, including Sales, Contracting & Operations. Identify and create a global strategy, negotiate, and maintain best-in-class air contracts, as well as develop and evolve the overall air/sea offering for the Abercrombie and Kent travel group globally.

Requirements

10+ years of industry sales experience focusing on Global Air Contracts and negotiating.
Experience in working in a Call centre or Tour Operating environment.
Work effectively in a Global Matrix reporting organization.
Proven track record of success
High level of GDS knowledge/experience, Amadeus preferred.
Cross-market knowledge including the USA, UK&EMEA and APAC
Experience in budget and forecast preparation.
Associate degree or equivalent combination of relevant background and/or professional experience in the travel industry.
Must reside in the Chicago or Miami metro area.
Maintain a current passport.

Nice To Haves

Hungry, ambitious & driven mentality.
Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

Create and implement a unified global air offering, supported by key partnerships & contracts.
Work closely with partners to identify growth opportunities and develop global relationships and contracts with key airline partners to support global alignment.
Work closely with Finance teams to ensure ARC ticket auditing and back office (TRAMS) reporting processes are streamlined.
Work alongside the IT department, including the integration of system and operational processes.
Maximize profitability and sales for the luxury travel segment (cruise and tour operating).
Drive efficient processes internally within air and operations teams, including but not limited to airfare maintenance & ticketing.
Responsible for maximizing profitability and conversion of air attachment to travel booking across AKTG and all global contact centers.
Lead project implementations related specifically to air system functionality.
Function as a fundamental resource for sales teams regarding the standards and delivery of the air program.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of selected Global Distribution System (GDS) and all preferred partner airline contract details.
Identify and understand complex international itineraries to offer the best travel options to consumers.
Collaborating with stakeholders such as sales, IT, marketing, finance & revenue management to maximize opportunities and profitability.
Maintain commercial relationships within the travel industry in key markets.
Travel to local offices to maintain and develop high-level relationships across the market.