Senior Sales Manager (JB5764)

Kontak Recruitment; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 595 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury travel and tourism organization is seeking a Senior Sales Manager to lead international market development and manage key global partnerships. The ideal candidate has strong experience in B2B tourism sales and exceptional relationship-building skills, with a proven track record in managing multiple regions. This role involves regular international travel and presenting at trade fairs globally, contributing to mission-driven and sustainable tourism practices. If you are charismatic, strategic, and passionate about conservation, apply now to join an innovative team.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in international B2B tourism or travel trade sales.
• Experience managing multiple regions in a travel trade environment.
• Comfortable with frequent international travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow assigned international markets.
• Build and strengthen relationships with global partners.
• Represent the organization at international trade shows and sales trips.

Skills

International B2B tourism or travel trade sales

Relationship management with global partners

Presentation and communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Proficiency with CRM platforms

Autonomous operation in assigned markets

Tools

CRM platforms

Sales reporting tools

Power BI

Job description

Senior Sales Manager (JB5764)

Industry: Luxury Travel and Tourism

Location: Johannesburg North, Gauteng

Salary: R700 000 CTC per annum

Employment Type: Permanent

Travel: ± 15–18 weeks internationally per year

This senior role blends international sales, relationship management, and market development across global travel trade markets. You will be responsible for expanding the organisation’s presence internationally and may be assigned to one or multiple regions depending on experience and strategic priorities.

The position is highly relationship‑led. It requires a charismatic, strategic, and well‑travelled individual who thrives in face‑to‑face engagements, trade shows, sales missions, and in‑country partner visits. You will represent the brand globally, manage key partnerships, and build new markets from the ground up. The role requires someone flexible, open‑minded, collaborative, and capable of stepping into broader leadership responsibilities over time.

You will join a purpose‑driven organisation within the premium hospitality and eco‑tourism sector. The business operates a distinctive wilderness‑based experience rooted in conservation values and long‑term sustainability principles.

Team members contribute to a mission‑focused environment that emphasises responsible travel, environmental stewardship, and meaningful guest experiences. The organisation is recognised for delivering high‑end, nature‑based hospitality in a conservation‑aligned context.

Required Experience and Skills

• Strong experience in international B2B tourism or travel trade sales.
• Proven relationship management success with global partners.
• Experience managing multiple regions in a travel trade environment.
• Comfortable with frequent international travel.
• Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and sales reporting tools.
• Ability to operate autonomously within assigned markets.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with the United States market (advantageous, not essential).
• Exposure to luxury travel, high‑end safari, or experiential tourism.
• Familiarity with luxury travel networks (e.g., Virtuoso, Traveller Made).
• Exposure to BI or reporting tools such as Power BI.

Personal Characteristics

• Charismatic and confident communicator.
• Strong relationship builder with high emotional intelligence.
• Adaptable, flexible, open‑minded.
• Comfortable presenting to diverse international audiences.
• Thrives in high‑travel, partner‑facing environments.
• Driven, proactive, and collaborative.
• Natural leadership potential.
• Professional, with strong integrity.
• Passionate about conservation and sustainable tourism.

Responsibilities

• International Market Development: Develop and grow assigned international markets, expand into underperforming or emerging regions, and build new markets from the ground up. Maintain performance in key high‑value markets and adapt to shifting global sales priorities.
• Relationship Management: Build and strengthen relationships with tour operators, travel agencies, and global partners; conduct regular in‑person meetings across multiple countries; deliver engaging product updates and ensure strong brand presence in partner itineraries.
• Global Representation & Travel: Represent the organisation at international trade shows, sales trips, and roadshows; host presentations and partner engagements in key global cities; commit to approximately 15–18 weeks of international travel per year.
• Sales Engagement & Partner Support: Maintain consistent engagement with global partners through calls, meetings, and visits; apply a relationship‑first sales approach and provide relevant product or operational updates.
• Reporting & Sales Tools: Use CRM and reporting tools effectively, with flexibility to learn new systems; provide accurate and timely sales reporting to the Head of Sales.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with the Head of Sales and wider sales team to align market strategy; collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support aligned messaging and guest experience; demonstrate leadership capability with potential oversight of regional representatives.

If you excel in building global partnerships and driving market growth, we would welcome your application. Apply now to take the next step in your career.