Director of Travel Services

• Jan 2023 - Present

Sales Specialist

• Dec 2021 - Jan 2023

Closing rate of 44% in fourth quarter of fiscal year (30+% average) with approximately 50% directly requested repeat business from company owned accounts. Customize and upsell complex, multi-destination, international itineraries (F.I.T.) for high volume tour operator. Utilize strong geographical knowledge for itinerary recommendations & sales. Provide creative solutions on demand with highly successful de-escalation. Assist with travel agent questions & itinerary changes on non-ownership bookings/quotes. Research and sell air via Amadeus GDS. Daily utilization of Salesforce, Outlook, and CRM. Show less

Talent Acquisition Specialist

• Aug 2021 - Oct 2021

Direct contribution of building and maintenance regarding nationwide employee pool. Qualification of online submissions via multiple job sites for candidate consideration. Conduct initial phone interviews with self-selected candidates for recommendation or elimination in hiring process. Source and invite non-applicant candidates for open positions. Provide critical entry and audit of hundreds of open positions into Sales Force for company website posting. Temporary employment extended from two weeks to over two months. Internally promoted twice for total of three departments (Logistics, Accounting, Human Resources) with raise upon each transfer earning 36% total increase,. Show less

Sales Operations Manager

• Jul 2005 - Mar 2020

Managed full operations and sales of independently contracted, virtual travel agency operating on 100% commission. Consultative sales practicing critical attention to detail with 90% repeat customer rate and high-volume referrals. Sourced and obtained repeat sales from corporate (B2B), group, luxury and leisure accounts & events, including 1,000+ member charity (Young Professionals for Covenant House), Nanosonic (whose own accounts include Homeland Security), an entertainment management company, and an internationally known minister. Acquired consistent customer reviews of 10 out of 10 at select Platinum Level Agent status while aligned with Avoya Travel, an American Express affiliate. Platinum status maintained throughout multi-year affiliation. Daily utilization of multiple CRM's and online booking engines. Show less

Product Manager

• Mar 2002 - Jul 2005

Contributed to 200% increase in accounts from start to end date of employment (1996 – 2005).Accomplished year over year increased profits with six of the leading cruise line brands plus additional smaller ones via the hiring, sales training & management of shipboard Internet Café Managers.Contributed to continual profitability through adjustments to marketing and promotions based on revenue analysis of 50+ vessels.Created and conducted employee sales training.Highly effective customer account management of land-based C-Level executives, shipboard officers & departmental managers.Effectively managed complex, monthly transitions of globally based employees to 50+ vessels. Show less

Account Relationship Manager

• Jan 1996 - Mar 2002

Achieved year over year increased profits via the creation and presentation of motivational product & sales training to multiple onboard departments of up to 300+ attendees.Arranged complex, multi-department meetings (up to 2 ships per day) in international ports of call.Created cost effective, multi-destination, international travel itineraries for ship visits.Successful account management of multiple cruise departments, both shipboard & shore side, including C-Level ExecutivesSourced new business through company representation & networking at trade shows annually including the 10,000+ attendee SeaTrade show. Successfully collaborated in the logistics, purchasing, and execution of booths.Individually managed entry and upkeep of critical technical service planning tool used company wide. Database entry/maintenance of 365 day/year global itineraries for 88 ships, both cruise line and U.S. Navy.Collaborate and implement onboard marketing strategies. Regularly conduct local and international shipboard inspections for promotion & product visibility to passengers. Submit reports where improvements and/or materials needed.Participated in creation, customization, proofing, purchasing, and delivery of in-cabin displays.Assisted Accounting Department with investigation, clarification and collection of outstanding invoices. Show less