Job Title: Head of Business Development – Leisure
Location: South West England (Hybrid)
Business: Howard Travel, part of Talma UK
Reporting to: CEO
About the role
Talma UK is growing rapidly, and our leisure travel proposition is a key part of that journey. This role leads the growth, performance and optimisation of our UK leisure travel portfolio, developing a high-end luxury leisure division with the potential to scale nationally.
You’ll work closely with senior leaders to shape strategy, drive commercial performance and build a strong, engaged leisure community — internally and externally.
Key responsibilities
Strategy & Growth
* Shape and deliver the leisure business strategy
* Define and embed clear market positioning
* Communicate strategic priorities across teams
Business Development & Partnerships
* Own and execute B2C sales growth strategies
* Build strong supplier and industry partnerships
* Set and deliver revenue targets with branch leadership
* Enable agents to identify and convert new opportunities
* Strengthen social media presence and market visibility
Leadership & Culture
* Act as a visible, trusted leader
* Create a positive, collaborative culture
* Coach and develop leisure teams across the UK
* Lead structured performance and development reviews
Financial Performance
* Ensure strong operational and financial controls
* Monitor budgets and forecasts, taking action where needed
Communication & Brand
* Drive clear, two-way communication
* Build strong client and stakeholder relationships
* Partner with Marketing on sales and brand activity
Experience & skills
Essential
* 4–5+ years’ experience in travel retail management or high-end hospitality
* Proven success driving brand awareness and incremental sales
* Strong understanding of the retail travel market
* Experience delivering B2C marketing initiatives
* Creative, commercially minded and opportunity-focused
* Confident working across multiple locations and teams
* Full driving licence
Desirable
* GDS knowledge (preferably Sabre)
* Experience leading operational teams
Ways of working at Talma UK
We’re people-first, commercially grounded and growth-focused. We value open dialogue, practical excellence and leaders who actively shape culture — not just talk about it.
Talma UK is committed to building an inclusive, fair and equitable workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
Industries
* Travel Arrangements
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