Job Description
Come and join one of the world's leading luxury travel brands.
PURPOSE:
Leading a team of Regional Sales Managers, the Head of Sales & Service is responsible for building and maintaining a motivated, high performing team across sales, service and operations. Working closely with the UK Sales Director, this role ensures exceptional client experience and sustainable profitability while upholding AKTG's reputation for excellence in luxury travel.
Responsibilities
Leadership
* Lead and support Regional Sales Managers to achieve strong sales and service results.
* Foster a culture of engagement, openness, and accountability.
* Embed continuous learning and professional development within the team.
* Maintain a positive, motivational approach, especially in challenging situations.
* Communicate clearly and confidently when leading change.
Team & People Management
* Apply strong management principles and share knowledge across the team.
* Support Regional Sales Managers in coaching, development, and performance reviews.
* Hold regular 1:1s to set objectives, review progress, and provide guidance.
* Collaborate with HR and Sales Director on recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
* Oversee onboarding, training, and educational trips to build knowledge and integration.
* Manage performance, appraisals, and staffing levels fairly and consistently.
Sales & Service
* Build a high-performing, supportive sales culture focused on service excellence.
* Partner with Regional Sales Managers to drive sales growth, conversions, and profitability.
* Ensure Travel Consultants receive effective coaching and development from the start.
* Maintain sales and service standards during staff absences and peak periods.
* Oversee fair lead distribution, workload balance, and accuracy of client documentation.
* Take accountability for exceptional guest experiences and resolving feedback promptly.
Commercial & Product
* Builds and maintains strong relationships with DMCs & product teams and works closely in partnership with the product team to ensure SLAs are met and pricing remains competitive.
* Stays informed on competitor pricing across all regions to respond effectively to market offers and maintain competitive positioning.
* Ensures pricing structures remain accurate and aligned with each product offering.
* Keeps a close watch on competitor product offerings and key developments to enable timely and strategic responses.
* Facilitates relevant product training sessions in collaboration with suppliers. Champions AKP within the program region.
Marketing
* Actively promotes AKTG within the industry, building a strong network and representing the brand.
* Ensures all client-facing materials are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with AKTG's brand standards.
* Works with UK Sales Director and marketing to plan and coordinate the annual regional marketing calendar.
General & Operational
* Respond proactively and positively to all reasonable requests from Directors, VPs other members of SLT.
* Actively support in times of crisis or major operational incidents, taking initiative and ownership of departmental issues when necessary.
About You
* Experienced leader with a strong track record in managing high-performing sales teams.
* Extensive travel industry knowledge with awareness of market trends and competitors.
* Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and inspiring others to achieve success.
* Commercially astute with experience managing budgets and developing strategies.
* Resilient, proactive, and solutions-focused under pressure.
* Excellent communicator with strong negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
* Highly organised with strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail abilities.
* Confident champion of new processes and systems, leading by example.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary plus annual bonus plan
* Company pension plan from start of employment, with employer contributions increasing after 5 and 10 years of service
* 25 days annual leave – in addition to bank holidays, plus the ability to buy an additional 5 days or sell 5 days
* Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family)
* Discounted Gym Membership – we offer a contribution of up to £35 a month at either Virgin Active Gym (London) or to other gyms through GymFlex.
* Life Assurance (4x base salary paid out as a tax-free sum)
* Hybrid working – we value collaboration and ask employees to come to the office for a minimum of 4 days per week
* Enhanced Paid Parental Leave – 18 weeks full pay regardless of gender
* Employee Assistance Program – includes access to wellbeing resources and counselling
* £1,000 Recruitment Referral Bonus
* Cycle to work scheme
* Season Ticket Loans
* Regular Social Events
If you would like to learn more about the position, please email
Why work for A&K
What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It's our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K. There will also be ongoing training and the opportunity to progress your career – not just in the UK, but as part of our global business.
We're also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years, and we were recognised by Which? for looking after our clients during the pandemic.
EEO Statement
Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.