Business Development Manager – Key Accounts Western USA and Canada

One of the best-known names in cruising, Cunard is the world’s leading international premium cruise line, carrying millions of guests each year to hundreds of destinations around the globe. With parent company Carnival Corporation, Cunard is well known for its White Star Service and Trans-Atlantic Crossings.  

This role is responsible for the business development and revenue growth of a defined portfolio of key travel agency accounts and consortia within the West region. The position focuses on driving sales performance, strengthening strategic partnerships, and executing account‑specific growth plans aligned with Cunard’s commercial objectives and Cultural Essentials. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and partners closely with internal Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and Customer Service teams.

Here’s a summary of what Cunard is looking for in a Business Development Manager-West. Is this you? 

 
Responsibilities: 

Business Development & Revenue Growth 

• Own and deliver sales performance for assigned key accounts and consortia.

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to drive share growth, Grills penetration, and premium itinerary performance.

• Identify incremental revenue opportunities and close near‑term business through consultative selling and disciplined follow‑up.

• Utilize CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) to manage pipeline, track opportunities, document account activity, and support forecasting and reporting.

Agency Account Management 

• Serve as primary relationship owner for assigned accounts, acting as the senior point of contact.

• Conduct regular business reviews, strategy sessions, and performance tracking.

Marketing & Commercial Planning 

• Develop and manage co‑op marketing plans in partnership with Marketing and agency stakeholders.

• Oversee execution of campaigns, events, and promotions tied to measurable results.

• Participate in trade conferences and industry events, often including evenings and/or weekends and occasional international travel, to support commercial objectives and account growth.

Communication & Collaboration (15%)

• Partner cross‑functionally to align sales, marketing, and service execution

• Provide consistent feedback and insights to leadership on market conditions and competitive dynamic

Budget & Resource Management (5%)

• Manage assigned budgets responsibly, ensuring alignment to ROI and commercial priorities                                                                                                                                                            

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Scope: This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and minimal day‑to‑day supervision, requiring strong planning, prioritization, and time‑management skills. The position is field‑based and involves regular travel, including participation in trade events, ship inspections, and agency engagements, some of which may occur on evenings or weekends. The role is responsible for managing multiple accounts and initiatives simultaneously, leveraging CRM tools (Salesforce preferred) to track activity, pipeline, and performance. Success is measured by sales results, account growth, and the ability to adapt to market conditions, competitive dynamics, and evolving commercial priorities.

• Problem solving: Applies sound judgment to resolve complex account, service, and commercial challenges. Balances customer needs with company objectives, identifying practical solutions that drive long‑