Business Development Manager - U.S. (Houston, TX or New York, NY)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for building awareness and interest in American Queen Steamboat Company products through training, relationship building and sales activities with agents and consumers. Position reports to the Senior Vice President of Sales.

Duties & Responsibilities

Territory:

• Develop a quarterly territory sales plan that maximizes AQSC’s presence in the branch offices of “A” accounts as well as select “B” and “C” accounts.
• Be the territory’s AQSC product and company sales policy expert.
• Get travel agents excited about the AQSC product line with high energy training sessions that promote the products’ features and benefits as well as their superior and unique position in the marketplace.
• Maintain a regular presence in the territory so that agencies and agents know they have an AQSC resource they can go to for information and support.
• Ensure the agents have the tools and knowledge they need to promote and close sales for AQSC.
• Use a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape in order to clearly differentiate the AQSC products.
• Conduct agent training in one on one sessions, in groups and using seminars and webinars.
• Execute effective selling strategies in order to generate sales growth among the assigned “B” and “C” accounts.
• Get answers to agent questions in a timely fashion.

National:

• Create and manage company training programs for nationwide travel agents.
• Create and conduct monthly core classes/webinars on all vessels and rivers/destinations on an ongoing basis.
• Create and conduct support courses based on specialty themes, premium shore ex, etc.
• Record webinars to post on the website for on-demand viewing.
• Create and manage an agent certification program.

Other:

• Identify and participate in significant trade and consumer travel shows and programs.
• Work with the territory RSD, Groups Manager and SVP Sales on special projects.
• Use the company’s CRM to manage territory activities and record and report progress with agencies.
• Ensure behavior and performance supports the company’s Mission.
• Follow company values in responding to others in work situations.
• Perform sales duties and actions as assigned by the SVP Sales.
• Meet “standards for service” behaviors.
• Use recovery steps to respond to others who are dissatisfied.
• Make hospitality standards an important part of day-to-day duties.
• Be a STEAM System example for others.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

• HS Diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s Degree

Skills & Abilities:

• Must possess excellent communication, presentation, planning, time management, relationship building skills.
• Microsoft office skills

Other:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident/incident testing.
• Must be willing to travel up to 50%.
• Have a car for travel purposes along with valid driver’s license and hold own personal insurance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time
• Ability to stand and walk frequently
• Ability to bend, rotate and reach frequently
• Ability to carry, push/pull and/or lift materials weighing up to 35-40 lbs
• Ascending/descending stairs safely
• Ability to manipulate/handle/grip materials required to perform job

EEO