Job Title: Groups Team Leader

Job Description

This position is to join the head office of Abercrombie & Kent Australasia, an international company widely regarded as the leading luxury travel company in the world. Abercrombie & Kent was founded in 1962 and has grown into an international travel group operating in more than 100 countries. Abercrombie & Kent is all about “Inspiring Experiences.”

Department:Inbound

Reports To:Head of Cruise

Prepared Date: April2017

Main Objectives: To actively contribute to the achievement of team sales targets, profitability & the quality control of service delivery. To create, market, sell and deliver on ground an exemplary product and service for Group movementsacross Australia and New Zealand.

Main Responsibilities – Cruise Land Programs, Adhoc Groups & Incentives

Oversee all Group movements including Cruise Land & Hotel Programs, Cruise Major Events, Ad-hoc Group& Incentives from all source markets.
Develop & increase the revenue with set targets and responsibility for proposals to ensure they are creative, innovative, well written & priced competitively.
Qualify, create and present detailed itineraries.
Streamline Processes within the team to ensure best practice.
Ensure the Profitability of all Group movements as per the budgeted guidelines.
Weekly reporting & follow up of all enquiries with the aim of converting to firm business.
Organise & Escort Site Inspections/Recces as necessary.
Play an active role in accurately booking and managing all services required for the successful operation of the Groups team within the budget set, including contracting of hotels and suppliers where required.
A commitment to open communication with marketing offices, cruise executives, agents and direct clients setting clear and definitive expectations, with an aim of 48to 72hour turnaround.
Relationship development and maintenance with key agent & cruise executives – both international and domestic.
Relationship development and maintenance with key suppliers in Australia & New Zealand.
Liaise with clients when travelling and amend itineraries and costing when required.
Proof reading of final itineraries to ensure 100% accuracy.
Management of all domestic flight reservations and ticketing.
Oversee all financial transactions within a booking in Travel Studio, including invoicing, margins, credits, deposits, payments and cancellations.
Accurately cost any additional requests or changes, specifically with consideration to margin protection and growth.
Commitment to the implementation of margin growth techniques.
Resolving issues which may occur during the course of a Group movement along with follow up on customer service and quality control issues within 24 hours or sooner if required.

Other Responsibilities

Oversee the day to day requirements of a small team (3) to ensure team sales targets are met and workload is allocated fairly.
Emergency after hours telephone roster within the Groups team.
Compile detailed report and PowerPoint presentation of any famil trips to all staff.
Represent A&K on familiarisation trips, trade shows, hosted agent familiarisations and functions outside work hours when required.
Maintaining a clean, green and safe work environment.
Commitment and contribution to a positive, motivated and cohesive team environment.
Attend all scheduled and adhoc meetings.
Kitchen duty on a roster basis.
Assist in other areas of the business if and when required.
Adhoc tasks required by Executive and Management teams.

Selection Criteria

High degree of attention to detail.
Lateral thinking a must.
Previous experience in Inbound consulting/sales.
Day to day team management.
Team player is a must with an enthusiastic approach to the job.
Willingness to take on challenges.
Knowledge of sales principles.
Time management skills essential.
Previous experience working for an Inbound Tour Operator is preferred.
Committed to the highest level of customer service.
Excellent product knowledge of Australia and New Zealand.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Multi-lingual desired, but not required.
Have the desire to work in a creative environment & willingness to travel

Computer Skills Required

Travel Studio (in-house training provided)
Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
GDS experience – preferably Sabre

Understanding of and Commitment to A&K's Corporate Environment and Values:

A&K provides an inspiring environment with competitive benefits, staff development opportunities and remuneration and the chance to excel through innovation, collaboration and exemplary customer service.

Our corporate values encompass;

Pioneering - We are committed to being innovators, pushing boundaries and being the creators of the most inspirational travel experiences to the most remote, exclusive and exotic destinations in the world serving both existing and emerging markets.

Courageous - Courage is about standing up for what we believe in as well as trying new things and being creative, whilst taking responsibility for our own actions. We uphold corporate values, our brand and our commitment to philanthropy without compromising the luxurious experience our guests demand.

Trustworthy - Guests and colleagues can depend on us to deliver to high standards of professionalism and quality. We can be relied upon to be honest, truthful, transparent and open with all of our guests, colleagues and suppliers ensuring guests' safety and security giving them comfort and peace of mind.

Integrity - Integrity is about taking pride in what we do, what we stand for and basing our actions, every day, everywhere in the world, in ensuring our values become a reality for our guests, internally and externally.

Stylish - Superb service delivered with panache enabling our guests to have "the perfect experience", "Insider Access" and memories of a lifetime.

Welcoming - Warm and hospitable, putting our guests at ease. Energy and passion to put our best foot forward and exceed guests' expectations.