Trade Partnerships Manager

The role:

Are you passionate about the travel industry and adept at building strong commercial relationships? Join Inside Travel Group as our Trade Partnerships Manager in the US! This role offers the chance to spearhead our trade strategy, working closely with key consortiums and host agencies to grow our presence and reputation in the cultural adventure travel market. You’ll be a crucial part of a dynamic, friendly team that values quality, integrity, and passion.

As our expert in the US market, you'll craft compelling strategies that align with our business objectives, ensuring our trade activities lead to profitable growth for both InsideJapan and InsideAsia. With a focus on impactful results, you’ll lead a team dedicated to expanding our network of high-value trade partners.

What You Will be Doing:

Commercial Strategy and Activity:

• Translate branch targets into effective trade strategies for the US market.
• Set and manage the annual budget, ensuring maximum return on investment.
• Analyze trade lead and booking data to identify and nurture high-performing agencies.
• Identify and acquire new trade partners through industry knowledge and market opportunities.

Account Management/Account-Based Marketing:

• Oversee the onboarding process for new trade partners.
• Design and implement marketing opportunities and training programs for trade partners.
• Manage key trade partner accounts, negotiating commissions and sales agreements.

Industry Visibility:

• Collaborate with the US Communications Specialist to maintain a strong presence in trade media.
• Represent the company at national trade events and consortium head offices.

Leadership:

• Lead and motivate the Business Development Managers (BDMs) to achieve strong performance.
• Ensure clear communication about trade activities within the local market and globally.
• Share industry knowledge and insights with the wider team.

Outputs & Deliverables:

• Develop and execute a trade strategy and activity plan.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and market insights.
• Create training materials for trade partners and internal sales teams

What We Are Looking for From You:

You are a travel industry enthusiast with deep experience of the US travel market. You know all the players, you’ve been to the events, you’re in the chat groups. You know what independent agents/ partners need and how to grow and nurture great business relationships. You also know how to build our profile in the industry and make sure we’re in the right places. You’ve got great commercial acumen, able to take business goals and translate them into your approach for growing business through the trade – whether that’s defining the BDM activity, negotiating with consortia, directing the marketing team or working with sales. You can build a trade team, scaling it as our business grows. You can spot talent, hire and develop great people and invest in their development for their personal and overarching business success.

You are a charismatic networker and strong presenter, passionate and knowledgeable about our kind of product (experience of our destinations is a bonus but not a must). You know that internal communications are important too, and champion our trade approach with stakeholders throughout the business. A born collaborator, you’ll have strong experience in working with and through other teams. You also have great customer service skills, committed to finding win-win outcomes.

What You Get in Return:

• Annual performance-based bonus $15,000 OTE 
• 20 days annual leave plus 13 paid public holidays
• Day off on your birthday
• Volunteering leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Designated learning and development time
• Employer retirement contributions

We understand that the perfect candidate might not match all our requirements. Yet, if you have a profound passion for travel, we encourage you to apply for this role at Inside Travel Group.

About us:

Inside Travel Group Ltd is a pioneering travel company with a passion for crafting extraordinary experiences in Japan. With offices in the UK, USA, Australia, and Japan, we have been connecting travelers to the heart and soul of Japan with our customised tours and unique travel experiences. Winning numerous awards for our innovative packages and services, we have built a reputation for excellence and sustainability in travel. Becoming B Corp certified in 2023 has further solidified our commitment to not just creating unforgettable holidays, but also to making a positive impact on the world.

Inside Travel Group participates in the E-Verify Program for all US based applicants.