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PURPOSE OF JOB
TheMarket Expert(ME)is aTrip Development (TD) rolethat providesguidanceand support foramarket's Trip Experts.AnMEisan existingTrip Expertwithin the market, with broadexpertisein the market andin theBackroadssystems used by TEs.MEsspendthe majority ofthe season within their market and are available forsystems updates,researchneeds,and in-person supplier meetings.
Duringamarket'sseason,MEsprovide hands-on training andsupportfor allmarketTEs.MEsassistwithTE tasksduringpresearch, first departures, peak weeks,and PSUs,providingreal-time systemsguidanceandhelptoensure TEdeliverablesarecomplete andapproachgold standards.MEsmayleadtripsduringthe market'soperatingseason(this is flexible depending on market needs),and those trip leads are focused on less busy times and during September peak. We expect theME'snon-leadingworkloadto bevariable, based onminimumrequirements per nationality, and up to40 hoursper week.
Outside ofthe market's season,MEsare availablethrough the winterona more flexiblehourly basis(in or out of market)to help with various TE-related tasks, including answering sales questions, updating Ascent and other market materials, and assisting with auditsand other projectsas needed.We expectthe workload during thesetimeframesto bevariable and based onminimumrequirements per nationality.Market Experts maybe fully available to lead tripsduring this time.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- SupportallTEsin the Market
- Serve as a point of contact for systems questions
- Complete time-sensitive TE responsibilities while TEs are unavailable
- Conduct research and supplier meetings in coordination with RLs and TEs
- Serve asanadditionalknowledge expert forthe Market andallits itineraries
- Provide field-based support for trip issues and crisis management, working closely with the RL and RD
- Provide insight and market knowledge to TD Team and Office Staff with respect to Sales information, Marketing content, Activity Levels, SchedulingParametersand tripoverlapwithin Market.
- Provide onboarding support and hands-on training for all TEs in the market
- Post-Training Check-In for new TEs: 1:1 meetingwith RLafter online training; discuss TE doubts/questions; practice together in Ascent & RWGPS; redirect unresolved questions to RL.
- Hands-On Training: in-field support and training during TE Deliverables (Presearch/QA/PSUs).
- Regular review and updates of Ascent and other market materials to ensure all TE deliverables are complete andaccuratebefore passing off to RL for review.
- Assistwith off-season audit efforts and trip questions
- Possibility toassistwithTrip Development projects unrelated to the Market, as time allows
- When needed, co-host segment sales seminars with RLs and RDs to give Trip Consultants a clear andaccuratepicture of our trips.
- New trips, revised trips, and capacity adjustments - Review itineraries for overlap of meet/depart, activities, meals, and other services.
- Review private trip requests and provide recommendations to RL for approval.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- 2+ years of Trip Expert experience in theapplicablemarket
- Strong interpersonal skills, including proven feedback skills via FTR feedback on trips and co-leaders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Extensive Trip Leading experience inthe applicable marketand understanding of Backroads' serviceethic.
- Expertisein Ascent, Ride with GPS and other systems used by TEs.
- A strong understandingofthe TE Program andBackroads' gold standards for TE deliverables
- Ability to manage projects and follow through on project-related deliverables.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, & Word
- Experience in Leadership Development as a mentor is preferred
- New Trip Researcherexperienceisa plus
- Asolidunderstanding ofthe connection from office to trip to leader to guest
- Willing and able to spend most of the season in-market
- Understanding local language is a plus