Director, Sales & Strategic Account Management

Director, Sales & Strategic Account Management

At Pleasant Holidays, we empower people to be their best. The Director of Sales & Strategic Account Management leads a high-performing national sales team of Business Development Managers (BDMs). This leadership role is responsible for designing and executing comprehensive sales strategies to meet and exceed annual revenue goals.  A key focus is on cultivating relationships with national travel consortia, host agencies, and strategic accounts to drive growth, expand market share, and enhance profitability. 

The Director plays a pivotal role in managing large-scale agency partnerships and strengthening engagement with Independent Contractors (ICs) and home-based travel advisors, ensuring long-term business sustainability through strategic relationship management, sales enablement, and market responsiveness. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Sales Planning: Develop and implement strategic sales plans to meet annual revenue and profitability goals across all distribution channels. 

• Sales Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate the national sales team, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous development. 

• Key Account Development: Cultivate and grow relationships with national travel consortia, host agencies, and key strategic partners to enhance production and engagement. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the VP of Trade Brands and key stakeholders to deliver customized solutions, joint marketing campaigns, and strategic account development. 

• Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strong partnerships with top-producing travel agencies and advisors, prioritizing relationship depth and conversion performance. 

• Contract Negotiation & Execution: Negotiate and execute sales agreements and preferred partnerships that align with brand strategy and financial targets. 

• Market Intelligence & Competitive Strategy: Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activity, and market shifts; proactively adjust strategies to maintain a competitive advantage. 

• Performance Management & Goal Setting: Set, monitor, and report on monthly, quarterly, and annual performance metrics and budget objectives for the Business Development Manager (BDM) team. 

• Business Alignment Meetings: Facilitate monthly business review meetings with designated consortia and strategic accounts to ensure alignment and progress. 

• Strategic Reporting & Analysis: Provide analysis and reporting on factors influencing strategic account direction and budget allocations. 

• Brand Alignment: Partner with the VP of Trade Brands to maintain consistent brand positioning and enhance market presence. 

• Sales Reporting & Data Insights: Lead sales reporting initiatives to generate actionable insights, identify growth opportunities, and optimize overall performance. 

• Sales Training & Education: Work in conjunction with the training team to deliver impactful sales training, product education, and advisor development programs across all channels. 

• Industry Representation: Represent the company at major trade shows, consortia events, industry conferences, and educational FAM trips. 

• Administrative Support: Manage administrative functions and other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals. 

Key Competencies & Qualifications: 

• 5–7 years of progressive travel industry experience, with a strong background in managing relationships with retail travel agencies, consortia, and host agency networks. 

• Proven success in strategic account management and national sales leadership roles. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred. 

• Previous experience in tour wholesale, sales planning, and execution. 

• Deep understanding of consortia structures, host agency ecosystems, and the independent advisor landscape. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a sales team, set measurable goals, and drive performance. 

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills. 

• Strong analytical mindset with experience in sales forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking. 

• Confident presenter and trainer, comfortable representing the brand at both internal and external events. 

• Must be eligible for enrollment into the company AAA Safe Driving Program 

Join a unique opportunity to shape a leading vacation travel