Come and join one of the world’s leading luxury travel brands 60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded A&K, we’re still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. Whichever role you join us in, whether customer facing or behind the scenes, everyone has their part to play in creating one-of-a-kind journeys that go beyond our clients’ high expectations. With 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe, we offer adventures that can’t be experienced with any other tour provider. Working with a team of passionate and knowledgeable people, you’ll be able to open doors to private palaces, book Michelin-starred meals in the most remote locations and arrange out-of-hours museum tours. There’s always a buzz in the office about the latest ways we’ve gone the extra mile. PURPOSE: Using the client brief and subsequent qualifying process this role involves building and pricing creative luxury tailor-made programs for travel across Europe.The Consultant will be responsible for achieving sales and margin goals, along with designing programs which are operationally sound.Ultimately the aim is to exceed expectations of our guests, sales offices and travel advisors so the return to A&K again and again. RESPONSIBILITIES: To design tailor-made FIT programmes for A&K sales offices or travel advisors, checking the feasibility of itineraries and making suggestions as appropriate Meet or exceed set and agreed turnaround, sales, conversion and margin targets To negotiate better hotel and land provider rates where possible To cost each programme accurately, competitively and to the required level of quality within the agreed time frame whilst maintaining creativity, using the in-house reservations system To actively follow up on all new business quoted until a definitive result is obtained On confirmation, set up the file and ensure the reservation system is accurate before handing over to the operator To actively investigate new products and opportunities to achieve greater sales to existing and new clients To check, when requested, costings and itinerary content of programmes which have been set up by other team members To check the final itinerary and Supplier Information Report before it is sent to all suppliers, as required To build strong relationships with a global clientele of luxury travel industry professionals to encourage repeat business FINANCIAL: To ensure appropriate terms are sent to clients and deposits taken To create financial statements, including matters related to travel advisor commissions To ensure that correct funds are received from a client by the agreed dates QUALITY CONTROL / CUSTOMER SERVICE: To develop an itinerary which is operationally viable from the outset To assist managers and operations staff in handling issues as they arise To provide Quality Control information to the Manager/Supervisor as required To proactively participate in, and provide training on destinations, products and procedures GENERAL: To provide emergency mobile telephone service on a rota basis and provide all necessary information for the emergency file General office duties such as answering telephone etc. Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Manager/Supervisor Provide guidance and assistance to members of staff in other European A&K DMC locations ABOUT YOU: A confident, positive attitude Strong spoken and written communication skills. A second European language is advantageous A Good level of geographical and general knowledge of Europe is advantageous Up-to-date knowledge of Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel A natural affinity for sales and (over) achieving goals A real passion for travel Ability to multi-task and work under pressure Attention to detail A willingness to develop relationships with clients Good and effective time management WHAT WE OFFER: Competitive salary plus commission or annual bonus plan (depending on role) A range of Hybrid working options (as part of an industry leading pilot programme) Enhanced Paid Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family) Company pension plan from start of employment, with employer contributions increasing after 5 and 10 years of service 25 days annual leave – in addition to bank holidays, plus the ability to buy an additional 5 days or sell 5 days Life Assurance (2x or 4x base salary depending on job level and/or length of service) Employee Assistance Program – includes access to wellbeing resources and counselling £1,000 Recruitment Referral Bonus Discounted gym membership Cycle to work scheme Season Ticket Loans Regular Social Events If you would like to learn more about the position or apply, please send your CV, salary expectations and cover letter to [email protected] Why work for A&K What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It’s our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K. There will also be ongoing training and the opportunity to progress your career – not just in the UK, but as part of our global business. We’re also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for looking after our clients during the pandemic. CH