Business Development Manager, GTA

The Armstrong Collective; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical plan

RRSP/TSFA match

Two complimentary annual train tickets

Job summary

The Armstrong Collective is seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager to grow Rocky Mountaineer rail tourism in Canada and the USA. You will manage key travel agency relationships, develop plans with the Key Account team, and drive FIT and Groups business across Ontario with extensive travel up to 50%.

Ideal candidates have 5–10 years in travel industry sales, strong relationship-building skills, and proficiency with Salesforce, Concur, and PowerBI.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary education in Travel/Tourism industry; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience in travel industry sales is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop business through relationship building with travel agents, wholesale, and group tour partners.
• Execute territory plans and drive FIT and Groups business within Canada/USA travel channels.
• Identify new business opportunities and grow market share in Ontario.
• Prepare proposals, presentations, and supporting documents for solicitation and closing.
• Log sales activities and provide market feedback to leadership.

Skills

Relationship builder

Presentation skills

Verbal and written communication

Business judgment

Professional and polished

Tailoring communication

Creative and resourceful

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Travel/Tourism preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Concur

PowerBI

Job description

Description

Purpose

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for generating business through the development of close relationships with the travel agent channel in USCA. Priority focus of the role is to execute Key Retail Account plans as developed by the Key Account Team. In addition, the BDM is responsible for growing RM business with existing retail partners and developing new travel agency relationships in order to grow the business.

This is a full-time role requiring extensive travel throughout the assigned geographic sales territory in Ontario.

We are currently hiring for two positions: one supporting Eastern Ontario and one supporting Western Ontario.

The ideal candidates will be based within their respective territories.

Key Areas of Accountability

Account Management

• Execute against the plans developed by the Key Account Management team.
• Develop business through relationship building with retail accounts within assigned territory to meet and exceed KPI targets.
• Develop and grow business through Travel Agent, Wholesale, and Group Tour partnerships.
• Successfully manage existing travel agency relationships and deepen the partnerships to grow both FIT and Groups business.
• Work with Senior Manager, Sales to formulate and execute a territory specific plan to deliver against the Key Account plans and other, more localized business development opportunities.
• Identify new business development opportunities within the territory.
• Build sales campaigns to drive bookings and revenue via territory account base.
• Manage the analysis of territory and marketplaces by monitoring the market/competition, analyzing industry trends, company results and economic climate.
• Support and achieve aggressive growth targets of the brand
• Identify and increase market penetration within retail accounts
• Work closely with Rocky Mountaineer’s sales colleagues across USCA and Package Groups teams to leverage and share best practices to drive FIT and Groups business within travel agency channel (both Direct and Indirect distribution models)
• Develop business plans, sales strategies, budgets, and corresponding business cases for targeted market trade partners.
• Attend and participate in a variety of sales conferences, trade shows, marketplaces, familiarization tours, training and industry events as required to broaden product awareness, educate, and generate sales of Rocky Mountaineer rail routes in Canada and the USA
• Prepare proposals, presentations and supporting documents for use in the solicitation and closing of business
• Provide feedback and input on programs, strategies, and tactical marketing & sales initiatives
• Responsible for accurate, timely, insightful revenue and business trend forecasting
• Provide timely feedback of general marketplace conditions and competitive activity within assigned channels
• Demonstrate market insight through solution implementation and sustainment
• Analyze competitors and sources of competitive advantage
• Ensure accurate processing of all information generated from sales activities
• Generate and log sales activities in Salesforce
• Ensure the proper brand message is delivered in all materials
• Identify and target competitive prospects and plan strategy to increase market share

Relationship Management

• Maintain positive and constructive relationships with other Managers, employees, customers, and a variety of suppliers and industry partners
• Ensure complete and on-going knowledge of the Company’s policies, procedures, and products
• Maintain positive and constructive cross-departmental relationships and communication
• Perform other duties as assigned within the relevant expectations of the position
• Ensure clients keep Rocky Mountaineer top of mind in their sales and marketing efforts
• Initiate, build, and maintain long‑term relationships with clients
• Exhibit ‘One Team’ values partnering across USCA team and collaborating with other functional areas of the business.
• Drive for results – foster collaboration and strengthen others to execute consistently.
• Make values visible – act with uncompromising honesty, integrity and ethics
• Energize others – set an example, recognize contributions and celebrate accomplishments

Qualifications

Education/ Certification/ Licenses

• Post-Secondary education and experience in the Travel/Tourism industry (a Bachelor Degree is preferred)

Experience

• 5-10 Years Prior travel industry sales experience preferred
• Experience in relationship building through combination of in person, virtual and over the phone interactions

Skills

• Relationship builder with the ability to influence
• Strong presentation and training skills, both in person and via webinars
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Broad general business knowledge with excellent business judgment and decision‑making skills
• Professional and polished
• Skilled at tailoring and targeting communication to both internal and external audiences
• Creative and resourceful
• Relentlessly pursue excellence

Attributes

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Knowledge of Salesforce, Concur and PowerBI would be an asset
• Demonstrated ability to define business potential and utilize analytics to uncover sales opportunities.
• Ability to travel within the USA and Canada
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• A valid driver’s license and access to use of a reliable personal vehicle is required
• Up to 50% travel is required for this role.

Compensation

• The base salary offered for this role is $85,000 to $95,000 per annum and can vary based on job‑related expertise, qualifications, experience and internal equity.
• Eligible for Armstrong Collective’s discretionary bonus program.

Armstrong Collectivesupports our team members’ health and wellness by providing a comprehensive medical plan with 100% employer paid premiums, some of which includes:

• Short term disability, long term disability benefits
• Travel emergency assistance
• Vacation time and sick time
• Up to 5% RRSP and/or TSFA match
• Two complimentary annual train tickets after first year of employment

Armstrong Collective, Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit are an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of creating meaningful moments, being one team, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.