Vice President, Global Air Sales & Operations

Job Description:

Position Summary:

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.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• 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.

Other Duties

• 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.

Skills and Abilities

• 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.

Education and Additional Experience

• 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.

Special Requirements

• Must reside in the Chicago or Miami metro area.

• Hybrid role based in A&K’s Downers Grove, IL or Aventura, FL office (4 days in-office, 1 day remote)

• Emergency Duty 24/7 phone coverage may be required.

• Evening and weekend hours may be required.

• Up to 30% International travel is required (and maintain a current passport).

Salary Range

• 140-155k; position bonus eligible.

Benefits

A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible, full-time employees. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee, such as group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and travel discounts through use of an IATAN Travel Professional card. Other elective benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental life insurance, pre-tax healthcare and dependent FSAs, and a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employee.

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EEO Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.