Research Development Manager Jobs in Springfield, MA

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 New Business Development Manager at Classic Vacations, you will drive strategic growth and business success by identifying, pursuing, and fostering new opportunities. This role is pivotal in expanding our market presence, building strategic partnerships, and generating revenue. Combining industry insights with exceptional interpersonal and strategic skills, you will position Classic Vacations as a leader in luxury travel, while driving innovative strategies and fostering long-term client relationships.

This position is more than sales; it is about creating connections, leveraging insights, and leading the charge in showcasing Classic Vacations’ value in a competitive and evolving market. Through data-driven decision-making, industry expertise, and exceptional client engagement, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our business.

Why This Role Matters

The New Business Development Manager serves as the linchpin of Classic Vacations’ growth strategy, bridging market opportunities with operational excellence. In a competitive travel industry, developing trust and delivering innovative solutions are essential to success.

By fostering strong relationships with clients, identifying market trends, and driving strategic initiatives, you will directly contribute to enhancing Classic Vacations’ reputation, strengthening client loyalty, and ensuring sustainable business growth. Your role not only impacts immediate revenue generation but also shapes the long-term strategic direction of the company.

This role matters because it is at the forefront of our mission to deliver exceptional travel experiences, ensuring Classic Vacations remains a trusted and innovative leader in luxury travel. Your success in this position will empower our team to thrive, innovate, and continuously raise the bar for client satisfaction and operational excellence.

To apply, please submit your resume, a brief summary of your most significant achievements, and what excites 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:

Market Research and Insights

• Conduct in-depth market research toidentifybusiness opportunities, emerging trends, and gaps in the travel industry.
• Analyze competitor activities and market dynamics to develop strategies that drive competitive advantage.
• Leverage insights from surveys and outreach campaigns to better understand advisor behaviors and needs.

Surveys and Campaigns

• Lead outbound calling efforts to advisors actively booking with or disengaged from Classic Vacations, uncovering actionable insights.
• Execute targeted campaigns to drive market share, offering premium economics to build agency loyalty and sales growth.

Lead Generation and Pipeline Development

• Build andmaintaina robust pipeline of new business opportunities through networking, industry events, and online platforms.
• Proactivelyidentifyand pursue opportunities to grow Classic’s reach and impact within the travel industry.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and nurture relationships with key clients, providing personalized solutions to meet their unique needs.
• Identifyupselling and cross-selling opportunities with existing clients, contributing to sustained growth.
• Deliver consistent product training for new and existing clients to maximize their success.

Proposal Development and Presentation

• Develop compelling proposals and presentations that highlight Classic Vacations’ value proposition and address client needs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to create tailored offerings and solutions.

Strategic Partnerships

• Identifyandestablishpartnerships within the travel industry to enhance service offerings and expand market presence.
• Support travel advisors in achieving sales goals through proactive engagement and business support.
• Collaborate with the Sales team and Strategic Account Managers toalign onpartnershipobjectivesand implementation.

Sales Forecasting and Reporting

• Develop andmaintainaccuratesales forecasts,providingactionable insights to the leadership team.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on business development activities, achievements, and challenges.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal teams, including Product Development, Technology, and Operations, to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
• Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to ensure alignment and consistency.

Social Media and Networking

• Leverage social media creatively to engage clients, build relationships, and expand the Classic Vacations brand.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and forums to strengthen market presence and build connections.

Professional Development and Product Knowledge

• Stay updated on travel industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Classic’s products and services, effectively communicating value to clients.

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.

Industry Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field; travel experience preferred.
• Strong network of contacts within the travel industry.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiencyin Salesforce, Tableau, PowerPoint, PLEX, Executer, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Advanced data analysis and reporting skills,leveragingtools to generate meaningful insights.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, collaborate across teams, and inspire results.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills, with a proven ability to overcome objections and challenges.

Client-Centric Expertise

• Exceptional interpersonal, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to convey complex concepts clearly and persuasively, tailoring solutions to client needs.

Time Management and Adaptability

• Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable navigating a dynamic industry and open to embracing new tools and technologies.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, ora relatedfield preferred.

Other Qualifications

• High emotional intelligence and a proactive mindset.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry events, and market development.

Interpersonal Skills

• High emotional intelligence and a client-centric mindset.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills to handle challenges effectively.

Adaptability

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Open to learning and implementing new tools and technologies to improve operations.

Skills Required

• Mustexhibitprofessionalism on the telephone, in person, and across all forms of communication, supporting Classic Vacations' mission, values, and promise.
• Able to effectively communicate with travelers, travel agents, vendors, peers, supervisors, and other contacts both verbally and in writing.

Employment Terms & Benefits

• Hours: Full–Time Employment. 40+ hours per week
• Payrate:Salary
• Office: Work is virtual

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K
• Life Insurance, LTD, STD
• A dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on luxury and excellence.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolongedperiodssitting at a desk and working on acomputer.
• Ability to Travel

At Classic Vacations, we’re more than a travel company—we’re dream makers. Our team is passionate, driven, and committed to delivering world-class service while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

By joining us as the Business Development Manager, you’ll be part of a company that values its people, prioritizes work-life balance, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Together, we’ll redefine luxury travel experiences and make lasting impacts on clients’ lives.

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 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.