Business Development Manager - North Florida Region

MSC Cruises; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSC Cruises seeks a Business Development Manager to drive profitable sales growth in Northern Florida by building strategic relationships with travel agencies and serving as the commercial owner for the territory. The role blends relationship management, sales strategy, education, territory development, and disciplined execution to expand MSC Cruises' presence with travel advisors.

The BDM will plan and implement an annual territory sales plan, conduct partner education, evaluate ROI, and travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in sales/business development.
• Minimum 5 years field sales with contract negotiations over $150,000.
• Experience managing travel partner relationships in cruise or travel industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business opportunities within assigned territory (Northern FL).
• Build and manage relationships with travel agencies to maximize profits.
• Create and execute annual territory sales plans and track ROI.
• Make a minimum of 25 sales calls per week to partners.
• Travel up to 60% as required for events and client visits.
• Analyze sales data and present monthly/quarterly reviews to accounts.

Skills

Relationship management

Sales strategy

Territory development

Travel agency partnerships

Education

Marketing investment

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Time management

CRM software

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

5+ years field-based sales experience

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within an assigned geographic territory (Northern FL) by developing strong, strategic relationships with travel agency partners. The BDM serves as the primary commercial owner of the territory, identifying opportunities to grow existing accounts, activate new business, increase agency engagement, and expanding MSC Cruises' presence within the travel advisor community. The role combines relationship management, sales strategy, education, territory development, marketing investment, and disciplined execution. The BDM is expected to move beyond transactional account servicing and operate as a business partner to travel advisors and agencies, helping partners identify opportunities to grow their MSC Cruise business through education, business planning and strategic sales initiatives.

Your Impact

• Proactively identifies and develops new business opportunities within the assigned territory, regularly researching and sourcing new revenue streams and sales strategies to achieve territory goals. Territory includes north Florida.
• Build and establish new Travel Agency business. Retain and manage business relationships for each travel agency and develop a personalized approach to help maximize agencies’ profits. Generate ideas and strategies to actively participate in travel agency growth.
• Plans, creates and implements an annual territory sales plan to achieve and maximize territory sales objectives as well as ensuring achievement of assigned goals. Reviews sales plan, accounts, promotional efforts and ROI monthly to determine success track, making adjustments to plan, when/where necessary.
• Develops a plan to remain accessible to travel partners and maintain open communication channels. Making a minimum of 25 Sales Calls a week.
• Manages budget within guidelines to include travel, Co-Op and all other expenses. Reviews spends at the end of each Month.
• Supports National Accounts marketing programs, promotions and events.
• Analyzes sales data to present monthly, quarterly business reviews with accounts and make recommendations.
• Conducts Seminars, Familiarization Cruises, Cruise events, Trade and Consumer shows, as needed; therefore, must have a reliable form of transportation, and must be able to travel as required. Requires travel of approximately 60%.
• Remains current on corporate information, policies, procedures, sales and marketing programs, corporate communications and related materials.
• Performs other job-related functions as assigned.

Your Journey so far

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and/or relevant sales experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ field-based sales experience and contract negotiations more than $150,000.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing relationships with travel partners for a cruise line or other travel business
• Experience in negotiating and creating marketing plans required.
• Basic knowledge of Customer Relationship Management software.
• Experienced with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to build personal credibility by way of solid product knowledge, procedures, consistent follow-through and problem-solving skills; and execute agreements using superior negotiation and presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare and analyze Cost of Sale results.
• Business acumen – maintain knowledge of market and competitive trends.
• Effective time management skills to work independently.
• Strong communication and presentation skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and commitments, organizing efficiently, managing time effectively, and adapting to complex and/or shifting priorities.

Your Essentials

Information About Visa Requirements If Any

• US Passport or US Permanent Resident
• MSC Cruises is an E-Verify employer

MSC Cruises USA is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. It is our policy to employ and promote qualified candidates without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications and business needs.

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.