Partner Business Development Manager Jobs in Springfield, IL

About Classic Vacations – The Classic® Difference

Classic Vacations is the #1 luxury vacation wholesaler for Travel Advisors, driven by a singular purpose: to delight our clients with exceptional vacation experiences. Our team’s commitment to excellence ensures that every journey we create is seamless, luxurious, and filled with unforgettable moments. We take pride in our role as trusted partners to travel professionals worldwide, providing world-class accommodations, unparalleled service, and exclusive privileges in premier destinations.

Role Overview

As the Strategic Account Manager for Classic Vacations, you will be at the forefront of our mission to redefine both premium and luxury travel experiences. This pivotal role combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership, aiming to drive our growth objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. You will identify and secure new business opportunities that align with our goals, expand our client base, and establish strategic partnerships that enhance our market presence.

In this dynamic and fast-paced environment, you will leverage your deep understanding of the premium and luxury travel industry to innovate and adapt our strategies. Your proven track record in business development and sales will be instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape, allowing you to cultivate lasting relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Why This Role Matters

The Strategic Account Manager is not just a position; it is a vital role that serves as a catalyst for our organization’s growth and success. In a world where premium and luxury travel experiences are more than just a service but a reflection of a traveler’s aspirations, this position embodies our commitment to excellence and innovation. By spearheading our sales strategy, you will directly influence our ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and provide unparalleled experiences that set us apart in the competitive landscape.

This role is grounded in the belief that clarity, trust, and collaboration are the cornerstones of high-performing teams. Moreover, this role emphasizes the importance of alignment between our strategic goals and the day-to-day activities of our sales team. By ensuring that every action is purposeful and connected to our broader objectives, you will help create a sense of shared purpose that drives engagement and motivation. In doing so, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organization, positioning us as a leader in the premium and luxury travel industry.

In essence, this role matters because it directly impacts not only our bottom line but also the lives of our clients, employees, and partners. By championing the principles of clarity, accountability, and collaboration, you will help us unlock new possibilities, redefine premium and luxury travel experiences, and ultimately set new standards of excellence within the industry.

To apply, please submit your resume, a brief summary of your most significant achievements, and what excited you about the opportunity to join the Classic team.

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

In alignment with Classic’s commitment to building a cohesive and high-performing team, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Execution

• Vision Alignment: Lead sales strategies that drive growth in your assigned region. Utilize a clear framework to prioritize initiatives aligned with the company’s vision, objectives, and cultural values, fostering a sense of purpose within the team.

Relationship Building

• Authentic Connections: Cultivate and maintain strong, authentic relationships with premium and luxury travel partners, key accounts, and stakeholders. Your interpersonal skills will enhance our reputation, positioning us as a leading player in the market and fostering long-term loyalty.

Market Expansion

• Strategic Insights: Identify and explore new market segments and emerging trends to ensure our offerings resonate with discerning travelers. Utilize data-driven analysis to inform business development strategies and guide the pursuit of new opportunities, ensuring a proactive approach to market demands.

Performance Excellence

• Accountability and Empowerment: Drive results by establishing clear expectations, accountability, and exceeding performance metrics. Foster an environment where open communication, collaboration, and constructive feedback are valued, empowering team members to thrive and succeed.

Brand Advocacy

• Passionate Representation: Serve as a passionate advocate for our brand, effectively showcasing our premium and luxury travel experiences. Your enthusiasm will inspire employees and partners alike, driving a collective commitment to excellence and aligning efforts with brand messaging.

Client Acquisition

• Targeted Engagement: Lead initiatives to identify, approach, and acquire high-value clients within the premium and luxury travel market. Develop tailored proposals and presentations that effectively communicate the unique value propositions of the company’s offerings, ensuring relevance to client needs.

Partnership Development

• Strategic Alliances: Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, including travel agencies, premium and luxury brands, and corporate clients. Negotiate partnership agreements that enhance market positioning and drive mutual growth, fostering collaborative relationships.

Networking and Representation

• Industry Engagement: Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and influencers within the premium and luxury travel industry, leveraging connections to enhance business opportunities.

Revenue Growth

• Market Share Expansion: Develop and execute strategies to increase the company’s market share and revenue through new client acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business development activities, utilizing insights to refine strategies.

Proposal Development

• Compelling Narratives: Oversee the creation of compelling proposals and pitches that highlight the company’s unique offerings. Collaborate with marketing and product teams to ensure alignment with brand messaging and service delivery, ensuring all proposals reflect the company’s value.

Collaboration and Internal Alignment

• Cross-Departmental Synergy: Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, product development, and operations, to ensure that new business initiatives align with overall strategic objectives and operational capabilities. Foster a collaborative culture that prioritizes teamwork.

Continuous Improvement

• Best Practices: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and best practices in business development. Continuously seek opportunities for improvement in processes, strategies, and outcomes, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation.

Reporting and Analysis

• Data-Driven Insights: Provide regular reports to senior management on business development activities, progress against targets, and market insights. Use data and analytics to refine strategies and optimize performance, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Qualifications & Skills

In line with Classic’s values of continuous improvement and organizational health, we seek a leader who exemplifies both technical expertise and a collaborative spirit.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or Communications; a Master’s degree is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in business development, sales, or a related role, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and securing new business, particularly within the premium and luxury travel industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex sales territories and exceeding sales targets.

Strategic Thinking:

• Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans that align with company objectives.
• Skilled in problem-solving and navigating complex business environments, using insights and data to inform decision-making.

Communication Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of creating compelling proposals, presentations, and reports.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities, fostering trust and rapport with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

Relationship Building:

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships within the premium and luxury travel industry, leveraging a well-established network to enhance business opportunities.

Analytical Skills:

• Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to analyze market data, financial reports, and performance metrics to drive informed business development strategies.
• Experience with CRM software and sales analytics tools, such as Salesforce and Tableau, to support data-driven decision-making.

Results-Oriented:

• A results-driven mindset, focused on achieving measurable outcomes and ambitious targets.
• Demonstrated success in delivering key business objectives and implementing strategies that drive sales growth.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Creative thinker capable of finding effective solutions in challenging situations, thriving in both independent and collaborative environments.

Willingness to Travel:

• Availability and willingness to travel as necessary to meet with clients, attend industry events, and explore new market opportunities.

Cultural Awareness:

• Familiarity with popular travel destinations, cultural nuances, and travel regulations, ensuring that sales strategies resonate with diverse clientele.

Employment Terms & Benefits:

• Work Schedule: Full-time, 40+ hours per week, with virtual office work.
• Compensation: $60,000-95,000 + Bonus (based on company and individual performance).
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, STD, 401K and More!
• Travel: Flexibility to travel as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform essential job functions while working at a computer for extended periods.

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Adaptability

In our entrepreneurial and collaborative environment, every team member is encouraged to contribute to the ongoing improvement and success of the organization. While each role has specific responsibilities, we embrace flexibility,

and salaried employees may engage in tasks beyond the traditional job scope when these opportunities arise. This approach fosters professional growth, allowing individuals to expand their skills, take on new challenges, and build strong cross-departmental relationships. Aligned with our commitment to mutual success, team innovation, and shared accountability, we believe that empowering every employee to actively participate in organizational growth enhances both individual development and our ability to serve our customers and community.

Classic Vacations’ Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Classic Vacations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and supported, regardless of background. We are committed to a culture that celebrates diversity and empowers all employees to reach their full potential.

Affirmative Action Statement:

It is the policy of Classic Vacations to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay, and all other conditions and terms of employment. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

For questions or more information, please contact Classic Vacations Human Resources at questions@classicvacations.com.