Head of Trade Sales

Travel Trade Recruitment Limited; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tour operator in the United Kingdom is looking for an experienced Head of Trade Sales to join their senior leadership team. The role involves driving the sales strategy across the UK trade market, leading a team of three Business Development Managers, and nurturing key trade relationships. Candidates should have significant leadership experience in the travel industry and a proven track record in driving sales growth. The position offers a very competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, along with a hybrid working schedule.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Annual company profit-share bonus

Generous holiday allowances

Free onsite parking

Social events and team-building activities

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role within a tour operator is essential.
• Proven ability to manage a field-based sales team effectively.
• Strong skills in data interpretation and strategy influencing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of three Business Development Managers.
• Monitor sales performance to drive business growth.
• Negotiate agreements and manage trade partnerships.

Skills

Leadership experience

Sales growth management

Commercial acumen

Job description

Overview

Established, reputable Tour Operator are seeking an experienced Head of Trade Sales to join their successful senior leadership team. The Head of Trade Sales will be responsible for driving the overall sales strategy for the company across the UK trade market. This includes leading and developing a team of three Business Development Managers, managing sales performance across all regions, providing strategic direction, and ensuring strong alignment between field activity, digital channels, product priorities, and wider business goals. The role holder will nurture key trade relationships, represent the brand at a senior level across the industry, and play a critical role in ensuring the company maintains and grows its position as a trusted long‑haul specialist. With a very competitive salary (negotiable) and an comprehensive benefits package, the position is a hybrid basis – office near Cambridge 3 days a week.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the team of three Business Development Managers.
• Establish KPIs and monitor performance to drive team and business growth.
• Oversee regional sales plans and ensure consistent high standards of delivery across all territories.
• Support BDMs during key meetings, events and supplier engagements as needed.
• Foster a collaborative high‑performance culture across the sales function.
• Develop and implement an annual sales strategy aligned with the company’s commercial priorities.
• Review and analyse sales performance data, identifying trends, challenges and opportunities for growth.
• Oversee trade sales and marketing budgets, working closely with the Senior Partnerships Manager to optimise spend and ensure activities align with strategy, and ensuring that trade marketing and sales activity remains within budget.
• Drive initiatives that grow market share, maximise revenue and enhance brand presence.
• Provide regular insights, reporting and recommendations to the Board of Directors.
• Be responsible for managing and maximising sales from national accounts.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, including commission levels, overrides and marketing spend.
• Lead strategic negotiations and discussions to strengthen long‑term trade partnerships.
• Support the team in initiating and nurturing relationships with travel agencies across the UK.
• Maintain deep understanding of the UK travel industry dynamics, competitor performance and commercial trends.
• Act as the conduit between the sales team and internal departments, feeding back market intelligence to product, marketing, commercial and operations teams.
• Plan and oversee trade events, roadshows, fam trips and conferences.
• Represent the company at key conferences, trade exhibitions and overseas educational trips.

Experience & Qualifications

• We are seeking an experienced Head of Trade Sales or Head Of Sales from a Tour Operator background.
• Significant leadership experience within the travel industry, ideally within a tour operator or trade‑facing environment.
• Proven track record of managing a field‑based sales team and driving measurable sales growth.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret data, identify opportunities and influence strategy.

Package

• Very competitive salary (negotiable)
• Hybrid working – 3 days in office (Cambridge) and 2 days remote.
• Hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 9am‑5.30pm.
• Some travel required for industry events, agency meetings, conferences, training sessions and occasional overseas trips.
• Performance‑related bonus and annual company profit‑share bonus.
• Great discounts on your own holidays, plus generous friends and family discounts.
• 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays.
• Standard Life Pension with enhanced employer contribution.
• Regular social events: Summer Party, Christmas Party, Quiz nights, brochure launches and a social fund for team‑building events.
• Supportive company culture that fosters teamwork and cross‑department collaboration.
• Inclusive and welcoming work environment.
• Free onsite parking.
• Annual Volunteer in your Community Day.

Job Details

• Job Title: Head of Trade Sales
• Company: (Name withheld)
• Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum, plus bonus and benefits.
• Posted: January 22nd 2026
• Closes: February 22nd 2026
• Sector: Other
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time

Interested?

Please follow the instructions to apply by attaching your CV. This vacancy is being managed by Katy Gaskell; you can be contacted on the provided phone number or via email. If you are not the right fit for this role but are keen to further your career in the travel industry, we have a variety of different opportunities so do submit your CV to us! Unfortunately, if you are unsuccessful, due to our volume of applications, we are unable to reply to everyone individually.