Incentive Account Manager

Phoenix Recruitment; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Leading Destination Management Company is seeking an Incentive Account Manager / Event Manager to oversee end-to-end incentive travel programmes. The role combines client relationship management, strategic planning, and operational delivery to create memorable high-touch experiences.

Remote working is offered and candidates based in Cape Town or Johannesburg are welcome to apply, with travel to sites as required for programme delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in incentive travel, MICE or luxury group travel.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting and cost management.
• Knowledge of Southern Africa, including Cape Town, Sun City, Kruger & Sabi Sand and Zambia.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities with clients and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of incentive travel clients as the primary contact.
• Lead planning, execution and delivery of complex incentive programmes from proposal to completion.
• Collaborate with internal teams and partners to ensure flawless delivery.
• Monitor budgets, supplier invoices and profitability for programmes.
• Provide leadership and coordinate weekly status updates within the incentive department.

Skills

Client relationship management

Budgeting

Organisational skills

Vendor negotiation

Communication (English)

Education

Grade 12

Tools

MS Office

Travelogic

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Leading Destination Management Company is looking for an Incentive Account Manager / Event Manager to join their team.

The Incentive Account Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of high-value incentive travel programmes. This role requires a strong balance of client relationship management, strategic planning, operational excellence and commercial awareness.

The Account Manager acts as a lead programme advisor to clients while leading the delivery of seamless, memorable and high-touch incentive experiences.

Remote working offered; open to candidates based in Cape Town / Johannesburg.

Duties

Client Relationship Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of incentive travel clients, acting as the primary point of contact.
• Build strong, long-term relationships through exceptional service delivery and proactive communication.
• Understand client objectives and translate them into creative, bespoke incentive programmes.
• Lead client calls, presentations, site inspections and post programme debriefs.

Program Design and Delivery

• Work on the planning, execution and delivery of complex incentive programmes from proposal to completion.
• Collaborate with internal teams and on-the ground partners to ensure flawless programme execution.
• Manage deadlines and timelines and deliverables across multiple stakeholders.
• Oversee supplier performance and ensure service delivery meets agreed standards.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage budgets, ensuring profitability and cost control.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure best value while maintaining premium quality.
• Manage invoice deadlines to receive funds from clients.
• Monitor supplier invoices, payments and reconciliations in line with the company processes.
• Identify opportunities for upselling and added value within programmes.

Leaderships and Collaborations

• Work closely with sales, operations and finance teams to ensure alignment.
• Contribute to process improvements and best practices across the incentive Department.
• Present a daily status update to the Incentive Managers.
• Attend all weekly and status meetings that take place for the Incentive Department.

Travel requirements

• Regular travel required for site inspections and on-site programme delivery.
• Travel as the lead Senior Account Manager on incentive programmes, representing the company and client on the ground.
• A valid passport is essential

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in incentive travel, MICE or luxury group travel.
• Proven experience managing complex, high end incentives programmes.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting and cost management.
• In depth knowledge of Southern Africa, specifically Cape Town, Sun City, the bush (Kruger & Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve) and Zambia
• Knowledge of Botswana, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, Kenya & Tanzania an added advantage
• Knowledge and experience in MS Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
• Knowledge of working with Travelogic for quoting purposes.
• Highly service-driven with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.
• Commercially minded and results- oriented.
• Confident, professional and articulate communicator.
• Proactive, adaptable and able to work independently.
• Team player with natural leadership qualities.
• Excellent written and verbal English skills are essential, with ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and suppliers.
• Strong articulation skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate and well-structured correspondence and documentation.
• The role includes a significant administrative component, which is a key focus of the position including correspondence, documentation and programme management.

Working conditions

• Remote position, with a requirement to attend the office one day per week.
• Position available in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
• Availability to travel outside of normals business hours when programme schedule require.