Head of Cruise Sales

Travel Trade Recruitment; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Remote work option

Job summary

Travel Trade Recruitment is seeking an ambitious Head of Cruise Sales to shape the strategic direction of the sales function and lead a high-performing, customer-focused team within the UK market.

The role focuses on revenue growth, conversion improvement, and long-term capability development, working closely with Marketing, Product, Operations and Customer Experience to align with the wider customer journey and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a sales function at a senior level.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.
• Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision making.
• Proven track record of improving revenue, conversion and customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the sales strategy in line with business objectives and KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to drive sustainable revenue growth.
• Set strategic priorities to improve conversion, sales quality and customer experience.
• Drive innovation and performance improvements with the Sales Manager.
• Monitor results, identify gaps and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead long-term sales resource and capability planning with the Sales Manager.

Skills

Sales leadership

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

We are looking for an ambitious, commercially focused and forward-thinking Head of Cruise Sales to lead the strategic direction, performance and long-term development of our sales department.

This is a key leadership role for someone who can look beyond day-to-day sales delivery to identify opportunities, challenge existing ways of working and build a high-performing, customer-focused sales function that supports the wider business strategy.

As Head of Sales, you will take ownership of the department's overall sales performance strategy, ensuring that targets, processes, people and performance frameworks are aligned with our business objectives. You will focus on driving sustainable revenue growth, improving conversion and sales quality, enhancing the customer experience, and developing the long-term capability of the team.

Working closely with the Sales Manager, you will provide strategic direction, identify opportunities for innovation and ensure that the sales strategy is translated into effective day-to-day execution. You will also collaborate with teams across Marketing, Product, Operations and Customer Experience to ensure that sales activity supports the wider customer journey and contributes to the overall success of the business.

Key Responsibilities;

Sales Strategy and Business Growth

• Develop and lead the sales strategy in line with business objectives and KPIs.
• Identify new sales opportunities to drive sustainable revenue growth.
• Set strategic priorities to improve conversion, sales quality and customer experience.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and performance improvements alongside the Sales Manager.
• Analyse sales data and trends to identify opportunities and inform decisions.
• Develop initiatives to improve efficiency, quality and team capability.

Sales Performance and Quality

• Take ownership of department-wide KPIs, targets and reporting.
• Establish performance frameworks focused on revenue, conversion, quality and customer experience.
• Monitor results, identify performance gaps and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure consistent sales quality standards and accountability across the department.

People Development and Long-Term Capability

• Lead long-term sales resource and capability planning with the Sales Manager.
• Identify skills gaps and opportunities to strengthen team performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, development and continuous learning

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Collaborate with Marketing, Product, Operations and Customer Experience to support business growth.
• Ensure sales activity aligns with brand positioning and the customer journey.
• Share sales insights and customer feedback to support wider business decisions.

Strategic Leadership and Partnership

• Provide strategic direction and guidance to the Sales Manager.
• Ensure sales strategy is translated into effective day-to-day execution.
• Partner with the Sales Manager to review performance and implement improvements.
• Align sales priorities with senior leaders and wider business objectives.

Experience required;

• We are looking for an experienced sales leader who can combine strategic thinking with commercial focus, using data, insight and collaboration to deliver meaningful and sustainable improvements.
• You will be comfortable challenging the status quo, identifying opportunities for growth and developing strategies that improve both business performance and the customer experience.
• You will also be a strong partner to the Sales Manager, providing direction and support while empowering operational leadership and encouraging ownership across the team.
• Proven experience in a senior sales leadership, sales strategy or commercial performance role.
• A strong track record of developing and implementing sales strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Experience managing sales performance through KPIs, targets, reporting and structured performance frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales data, identify trends and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements, new initiatives and innovative approaches to sales performance.

This is an opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future of our sales department and influencing how the business grows.

You will have the opportunity to develop and deliver a long-term sales strategy, introduce innovative approaches, strengthen departmental capability and work collaboratively with colleagues across the business.

For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact beyond immediate sales results: building a more effective, commercially focused and customer-centred sales function that is equipped to deliver sustainable success.

Package;

• Competitive basic salary plus OTE bonus
• Hybrid working in Manchester preferred, or fully remote will be considered
• Generous company benefits
• Personal development opportunities
• Great fam trips, discounts and experiences