Business Development Manager, Midwest

Business Development Manager, Midwest

We are looking for a results-oriented and enthusiastic Business Development Manager, Midwest to be a key player in driving sales and building strategic partnerships with travel advisors across a designated region. This role is essential to our growth strategy, focusing on relationship cultivation, business development, and revenue generation. The ideal candidate will have strong industry insight, a consultative sales approach, and a deep passion for travel.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Business Development Manager, you will play a critical role in driving sales performance and agency engagement. Your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Strategic Account Management: Manage a defined list of accounts, develop and execute account strategies, to ensure revenue goals are met.
• Revenue Optimization: Maximize revenue opportunities by leveraging preferred supplier relationships by strategically promoting and influencing purchasing decisions to drive profitability.
• Territory Planning: Prioritize relationship-building and engagement efforts within your assigned territory to maximize impact and brand presence.
• Consultative Sales: Apply a consultative sales strategy to align agency needs with the companys diverse product offerings.
• Goal Alignment: Collaborate with agency partners to set revenue objectives and implement strategies to achieve them. Create and manage strategic account plans for top-tier partners to drive long-term engagement and growth.
• Strategic Planning: Build long-term growth through detailed account planning for top-tier partners.
• Business Development: Identify and cultivate new agency relationships with high growth potential to expand market presence.
• Advisor Support: Strengthen existing accounts through regular communication, training, and dedicated support.
• Industry Representation: Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, webinars, and training sessionsboth virtually and in person.
• FAM Trip Leadership: Plan and lead familiarization (FAM) trips to key domestic and international destinations for travel advisors.
• Responsive Service: Provide timely, solution-focused support to agency partners, ensuring satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
• Sales Performance: Continuously meet or exceed sales targets through a strategic, insight-driven approach.
• Data-Driven Insights: Leverage CRM and analytics to monitor performance, track engagement, and uncover new opportunities.
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed on competitor activity and emerging trends in the market; report key findings to leadership.
• Database Management: Accurately log sales activities and client interactions in the companys CRM and reporting systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Participate in company initiatives and special projects that support broader business objectives.

Qualifications & Experience:

We are looking for an accomplished professional who brings:

• A bachelors degree or equivalent experience (minimum 3+ years in sales, partnership development, or a client-facing role) preferred.
• Previous experience in travel, hospitality, and/or consumer sales preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 70%, including air and ground travel for events, partner meetings, and FAM trips.
• Exceptional consultative sales and relationship management skills.
• Possesses strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with confidence in interpreting sales data and reports to identify trends and enhance performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and active listening skills.
• Must be eligible for enrollment into the company AAA Safe Driving Program.

Territory: ND, SD, NE, MN, IA, MO, IL, IN, WI, MI. Ideal location is St Louis, MO. Location: Remote within territory.

Join a unique opportunity to shape a leading vacation travel brand, build meaningful connections, and help create unforgettable experiences. Ready to elevate the world of travel? We would love to meet you.

Compensation: Base salary plus incentive program with unlimited earning potential based upon the achievement of certain corporate financial and personal business goals and objectives for Pleasant Holidays; most earn between $65,000 - $90,000 annually.

Benefits to working at Pleasant Holidays: Medical (with prescription) Vision Dental Flexible Spending Accounts Paid Time Off for Holidays, Vacation, and Illness Company paid Life Insurance Long Term Disability 401(k) Plan AFLAC Plans Travel Discounts on all Pleasant Holidays packages, Hotel Rooms, Car Rentals, Tours & Activities. Discounts apply to family members and friends too!

Pleasant Holidays is one of the largest travel wholesalers in the United States, specializing in vacation travel to the Hawaiian Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, South Pacific (Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand & Tahiti), Japan, the United States & Canada, and cruise vacations worldwide. Pleasant Holidays is a subsidiary of the Automobile Club of Southern California, a diversified insurance, roadside assistance, financial services and travel organization serving 17 million AAA Members across 21 states.

Pleasant Holidays is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pleasant Holidays will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws.