THE COMPANY
The Abbey Group is a long-established Destination Management company with offices in Dublin and Edinburgh and a remote team in London. With a turnover of €115 million in 2024, specialising in B2B sales to the international travel trade in both ad-hoc and special interest groups and FIT through Abbey The Destination Experts Ireland and UK and Moloney & Kelly Ireland & UK, which specialises in the luxury sector. We are a fast-growing Destination Management Company.
The Abbey Group has five divisions specialising in specific types of inbound tourism:
* Group Travel
* Individual & Online Travel
* Incentive & Luxury Leisure Travel
* Conferences
* Events
Due to the ongoing expansion and strategic focus on our Leisure groups and FIT growth from North America, we are looking to recruit an ambitious, results-driven, travel industry professional for the role of Sales Manager for North America.
JOB TITLE:
Sales Manager, Abbey The Destination Experts
Edinburgh (hybrid) or London (fully remote, regular travel to Edinburgh office)
ROLE OVERVIEW
An experienced commercial Sales Manager with good knowledge and experience of the Group and FIT markets inbound to the UK and Ireland. This role will focus on market research and field sales with an estimated six trips annually to the US and Canada to attend trade shows and sales meetings with clients in their offices. The successful candidate should be an experienced travel industry professional specialising in the inbound DMC marketplace and have a proven sales and business/client development track record. Ideally, the candidate would have an equal working knowledge of the UK and Ireland. The role is Edinburgh or London based. To note in Edinburgh a hybrid working policy is in place (3 days office/2 days remote). London based staff are fully remote with regular travel to our Edinburgh office.
The role encompasses field sales work for both new business and developing existing business, with a focus on the group and FIT travel sector. However, it will be expected that sales meetings cover both destinations and all disciplines (FIT/Groups/M&K).
The role will focus on meeting Abbey group growth KPIs and will be focused on, but not exclusive to, Leisure Groups and FIT.
The role requires experience in DMC/Tour Operator/Agency sales or similar in the US source market.
CORE DUTIES INCLUDE:
* Research and identify potential target clients for the Abbey Group and initiate relationships with those potential new clients.
* Planning of circa 6 annual sales trips to NA including identification of new leads and growth opportunities with existing clients.
* On-the-ground B2B field sales targeting North American clients.
* Research and qualification of leads and execution of sales calls and follow-up to drive inbound business for the Abbey Group
* Working to specified KPI targets to deliver growth for the Abbey group
* Reporting to the Director of Leisure Sales - North America & Long Haul, as directed liaise with product teams to ensure distribution of new products in sales material relevant to sales targets and meetings.
* Working with the product teams in UK and IRE to feedback on product initiatives and ensure we are responding to client feedback and market needs in product innovation for the UK and Ireland.
* Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations as directed by the Director of Leisure Sales NA/LH
* Full utilisation of CRM system to log all sales calls and actions and in trip preparation.
* Attending trade shows and destination forums and undertake sales trips in the source market as directed.
* Providing market intelligence to internal stakeholders and the UK and IRE Managing Directors.
* International travel will be required in compliance with the company's Business Travel Policy.
WHY WORK FOR US
* Deloitte Best Managed company for 16 consecutive years
* The Abbey Group is proudly certified as A Great Place To Work UK & A Great Place to Work Ireland
* Hybrid/blended working option available
* Up to 60 days per year remote working abroad
* Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
* Discretionary flexible benefit contribution towards pension or health care plan
* Learning and development opportunities – individual training budget per year
* Employee Assistance Programme – health & wellbeing support
* A paid day off on your birthday & an additional paid day off over the Christmas period
* Active Social Committee and Green Team including events throughout the year
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Application question(s):
* What are your salary expectations?
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH2 4SD
Application deadline: 30/10/2025
Reference ID: Leisure Sales Manager, DE