Manager, Travel Agency

Reports To:

President & CEO

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Supervisory Duties:

Responsible for all Travel Agents

Job Summary:

A travel manager’s main responsibility is to make sure in-house employees or external clients reach their travel destinations on time and with the right accommodations. This means researching destinations and available services; booking hotels, flights, and car rentals; coordinating activities; and managing documentation.

The responsibility of this position is to assure the highest level of service to our clients, to produce maximum productivity, to assist in the direction and expansion of the agency and to be responsible for the Travel Agency operation of all service centers Position is also responsible for ensuring competency in each position through effective training and ongoing job enhancement.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• No Degree – must have 10 years of proven experience in the field.
• Bachelor’s Degree – must have 5 years of proven experience in the field.
• Master’s Degree – must have 1 year of proven experience in the field.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Ensures staff are trained and certified; that each travel center is properly staffed with quality personnel. Monitors all staffing changes—including vacations, familiarization trips (FAMs), and business trips. Coordinates all familiarization tour requests and placements.
2. Explores and develops new programs to enhance the growth and image of AAA Travel Agency. Compiles and monitors agency sales and provides sales reinforcement among service centers. Maintains sales data and reports regularly on the status of the agency, making adjustments when needed.
3. Leads and assist in development of travel promotions: such as cruise nights, travel fairs, and group speaking engagements.
4. Plans and implements staff training at all levels to ensure high quality service, best commission rates, and a minimum of errors. Conducts staff training—including sales training, product and vendor training, and ongoing individual and group training in Agency operations.
5. Maintains records and provides management with regular reports on the status of the agency.
6. Formulates plans to extend sales to established accounts and to assist in soliciting new accounts. Performs all the duties of a senior agent. Keeps fully informed on travel industry trends and keeps subordinates apprised of developments.
7. Meets representatives of airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and wholesalers who call to advise on new programs or services. Instructs staff in changes in the industry and with preferred suppliers.
8. Be aware of all computer contracts within the travel department. Prepare for negotiation when necessary. Implement all enhancements to the system and arrange for training.
9. Direct Staff and manages staff.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and procedures for Travel Agency. Thorough knowledge of airline system
• Administration and Management – Knowledge of Airline Systems and Hospitality industry business practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group, set priorities, delegates work, and motivate others.
• English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Law and Government – Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Psychology – Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Education and Training – Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications

Physical Skills:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Salary:

$75,000–$80,000 per year