Travel Negotiator

Advantage Now, part of The Albatross Group, are seeking a dynamic Travel Negotiator to join their growing team.

Based in Hemel Hempstead you will be responsible for negotiating favourable terms including allocations, availability, rates and inclusions with hotels contracted by the Product Director, to meet the growing needs and demands of the Advantage Now sales team, and other companies within The Albatross Group.

You will also be responsible for the implementation of mail shots, product sourcing, late availability planning, recruitment of required hotels, and relationship building will also be a key element of the role, and travelling through the UK will be essential as and when the business requires.

Competencies for success

• Excellent face to face and telephone negotiation skills
• A high degree of initiative, independence and organisational skills combined with a commitment to excellence at every level
• A passion for travel and the holiday industry
• A proven track record in relationship building and successful negotiation, preferable within the travel Industry
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a highly skilled communicator with experience in dealing with people at all levels and cultures
• Flexible and open attitude
• Well-travelled, and knowledge within European/UK desirable
• A proactive approach to a challenge

Major responsibilities (core areas of work)

• To undertake extended office and face to face supplier negotiations as agreed with the Product Director
• To source and contract product and hotels in line with the requirements of both Advantage Now and The Albatross Group in accordance with the directives of the Product Director

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with existing suppliers, ensuring regular contact and consistent communication in line with the remit set by the Product Director

• Attendance at key industry events, workshops and networking opportunities
• To regularly contact key personnel at all Advantage Now hotels to collate availability, allocations and competitive rates for general sale by the Advantage Now team.
• Be responsible for managing allocated administrative functions of the product ranges, as well as supporting other team members in their areas when required.
• Entering rates, allocation and other relevant supplier information onto the company’s booking system and other in-house distribution tools as required.
• To develop all aspects of late sale / short lead sales and marketing including weekly mailshot, website development and trade show activity, in agreement with Advantage Now Directors.
• Obtain, monitor and release supplier allocations.
• Be proactive when reviewing sales performance for core suppliers and liaising with the Product Director to ensure that product utilisation is optimised.
• Generate reports and statistics as requested by internal and/or external customers
  

Office hours: 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri however this position will require additional hours, especially during peak seasons.

In return Advantage Now offer a relaxed and fun working environment, and the opportunity to develop your career within this growing business.

Furthermore we offer a casual dress code, onsite parking and an attractive benefits package including enhanced annual leave, flexible working and a number of travel industry perks, as well as the opportunity for further training and development within this growing team.

Closing date: Friday 7^th February