Travel Trade Manager - M&T Partnerships

Manchester United FC; Stretford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Scheme

25 days annual leave

Electric Vehicle scheme

Wellness Support

Exclusive Discounts

Gym facilities

Enhanced family Leave Benefits

Enhanced Career Development

Supportive Work Environment

Job summary

Manchester United is seeking a Travel Trade Manager to drive revenue growth and visitor numbers for Museum and Stadium Tour offerings. The role focuses on building relationships with UK and international tour operators, travel agents, and DMCs, while developing strategic partnerships and identifying new sales channels.

You will lead commercial initiatives, negotiate terms, and collaborate with tourism bodies to maximise exposure and growth across key markets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in travel trade sales, attraction sales, tourism, hospitality or commercial partnerships.
• Strong track record of delivering revenue growth and exceeding sales targets.
• Experience managing relationships with tour operators, travel agents and tourism partners.
• Commercially focused with strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the travel trade sales strategy to increase Museum & Stadium Tour revenue and visitor numbers.
• Build and maintain relationships with UK and international tour operators, wholesalers, online travel agencies and destination management companies.
• Identify new market opportunities and sales channels across domestic and international tourism markets.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, rates and partnership terms with travel trade partners.
• Represent Manchester United at industry conferences, trade shows, networking events and sales missions.
• Work closely with tourism bodies, visitor economy organisations and destination marketing agencies to maximise exposure.
• Develop group sales opportunities across education, corporate, leisure and special interest markets.
• Explore opportunities for packaged experiences, hospitality, retail and wider club offerings.
• Manage partnership performance through regular reviews and commercial reporting.
• Deliver revenue-generating campaigns with key stakeholders and partners

Skills

Travel trade sales

Attraction sales

Tourism

Hospitality

Commercial partnerships

Education

Degree-level qualification in Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Marketing or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Sales management software

Job description

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Travel Trade Manager – M&T Partnerships is responsible for driving revenue growth and visitor volumes across Manchester United's Museum and Stadium Tour business through the development and management of travel trade, group sales, tourism, corporate and commercial partnerships.

The role will lead the strategy for engaging domestic and international travel operators, destination management companies, coach operators, tourism bodies, online travel agents and commercial partners, positioning Old Trafford as a leading visitor attraction and must-visit destination. The postholder will identify new commercial opportunities, develop strategic partnerships and maximise sales performance across key markets.

Key Responsibilities

Travel Trade & Tourism Sales

• Develop and deliver the travel trade sales strategy to increase Museum & Stadium Tour revenue and visitor numbers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK and international tour operators, wholesalers, online travel agencies and destination management companies.
• Identify new market opportunities and sales channels across key domestic and international tourism markets.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, rates and partnership terms with travel trade partners.
• Represent Manchester United at industry conferences, trade shows, networking events and sales missions.
• Work closely with tourism bodies, visitor economy organisations and destination marketing agencies to maximise exposure.

Commercial Partnership Development

• Identify and secure strategic commercial partnerships that drive visitor growth and incremental revenue.
• Develop group sales opportunities across education, corporate, leisure and special interest markets.
• Explore opportunities for packaged experiences, hospitality, retail and wider club offerings.
• Manage partnership performance through regular reviews and commercial reporting.
• Deliver revenue-generating campaigns with key stakeholders and partners

Revenue Growth & Performance Management

• Own and deliver annual sales and revenue targets.
• Monitor visitor trends, booking patterns and market insights to optimise commercial performance.
• Analyse sales data and produce regular reports, forecasts and recommendations.
• Develop pricing, promotional and distribution strategies to maximise yield.
• Monitor competitor activity and identify opportunities to strengthen market position.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with Marketing, Hospitality, Retail, Partnerships, Finance and Operations teams to deliver joined-up visitor experiences.
• Support the development of new products, experiences and commercial offers.
• Act as a key ambassador for the Manchester United brand within the tourism and visitor attraction sectors.
• Maintain strong internal relationships to ensure commercial initiatives are effectively executed.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach and develop team members where applicable.
• Foster a commercially focused and customer‑centric culture.
• Establish clear objectives and performance measures for the sales function.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation within the department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential:

• Proven experience in travel trade sales, attraction sales, tourism, hospitality or commercial partnerships.
• Strong track record of delivering revenue growth and exceeding sales targets.
• Experience managing relationships with tour operators, travel agents and tourism partners.
• Commercially focused with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building capability.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic sales plans.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Desirable:

• Experience within a major visitor attraction, sports organisation, entertainment venue or tourism destination.
• Knowledge of the UK and international tourism sectors.
• Experience using CRM and sales management systems.
• Degree-level qualification in Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Marketing or related field.

What we offer

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
• Simplyhealth Cash Plan: Supporting you with your everyday healthcare needs
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

About Manchester United

Manchester United is one of the world's most iconic clubs, but it's our people who bring it to life every day.

Life at United means taking on new challenges, working with talented people and contributing to something that matters to millions around the world.

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.