Vice President, New Agency Partnerships

Company Description

Ensemble Travel Group is a leading travel agency consortium of top-tier agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada that was established in 1968. Acquired by Navigatr Group in June 2022, Ensemble is laser focused on partnering with agencies to improve their business through technology and programs. Offering access to proprietary travel platforms focused on driving agency and advisor earnings, Ensemble also shares exclusive promotions, programs including agency support such as training, supplier partnerships and best-in-class marketing opportunities with its agency partners. Ensemble maintains offices in Toronto and New York.

Job Description

We’re seeking someone who would thrive in the role of driving New Agency Partnerships in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment. Reporting to the President, this is not your traditional Business Development opportunity.

The VP New Agency Partnerships will be responsible for building relationships with travel agencies that align to Ensemble’s vision of leveraging technology and data to drive travel agency earnings. The ideal candidate combines outstanding business acumen and communication skills, understands the value that agencies and advisors bring to the travel experience and recognizes that technology and data can help to unlock that value.  You will advance our understanding of the North American agency landscape and develop the playbook for agency partnerships by analyzing target markets and identifying prospective opportunities. The Vice President must have a winning attitude, and entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to roll up their sleeves to get the work done.

• Understand existing agency economics and how Ensemble’s technology transforms the advisor experience and drives agency earnings.
• Understand the existing consortia ecosystem and effectively communicate how Ensemble’s value proposition is differentiated.
• Identify and understand different market segments including different agency models (traditional vs host) and translate that into a list of potential agency partners.
• Build a robust sales funnel and deliver on a proven ability to initiate an action plan to approach and build new partnerships.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop and execute new initiatives aimed at communicating Ensemble’s value proposition in the market.
• Articulate, charismatic and an ability to build relationships with travel vendors and existing clients to generate leads, referrals, and new business in a proactive manner.

Qualifications

• A relevant bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of progressive work experience in Sales, Business Development or has progressive travel industry experience with a history of proven business success.
• Has a roll-up your sleeves approach with the flexibility to move quickly and navigate a large and complex marketplace.
• Excellent communication and persuasive skills with proven ability to influence external prospects.
• Naturally curious with a strong determination to work around obstacles.
• Takes ownership, initiative and is self-directed.
• Consultative selling and client relationship development experience, with proven success.
• Collaborative and confident with sound judgment.
• Has a straightforward style and can quickly generate trust with a variety of stakeholders.
• Unquestionable integrity, high energy and a sense of urgency.
• Embraces challenge and has the desire to be a part of a fast-growing company where the only constant is change.
• A results-driven and forward-looking perspective. Holds self and others accountable.
• This role requires approximately 25%-50% travel.

Who Will Love This Job

An Achiever – you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are excited about the opportunity to help agencies embrace technology to transform their business and LOVE to WIN.

A Builder –  you are excited to develop and build the foundation from which the new agency partnership function will grow.

A Problem Solver – you have the ability to think outside of the box and maintain a flexible approach.

An Entrepreneur - able to work a role with limited definitions, and thrive in an evolving environment.

Additional Information

Cultural Fit:

• Thrives working in a technology and KPI-driven organization.
• Able to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment with ambiguity.
• Highly functional in a fast paced, constantly changing workplace - building plans through iterations from learning on what’s working and not working.
• Low ego and a team player.  
• Ability to build trust and work through conflict both upwards and downward.

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