Travel Store Manager

RETAIL TRAVEL MANAGER BASED IN READING. Do you have experience as a Retail Travel Manager? Are you a Travel Manager, with solid long-haul product knowledge looking for a new challenge? We have a dream Retail Store Manager role for you! A leading retail travel provider, which specialises in long-haul and luxury travel, is keen to recruit an experienced Retail Manager to join their famous travel brand.

Our client is seeking an experienced, sales focused, target driven retail travel professional who is a strong and inspiring leader with previous travel retail sales management experience to manage one of their leading retail stores.

This is an exciting time to join the UK's leading long-haul tour operator as they embark on redefining the travel retail experience for their customers. You will need to be well travelled, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, looking for a new challenge.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
*Accountable for meeting and exceeding retail sales targets. To drive all sales and to convert bookings by closing the sale and driving top line figures whilst achieving the budgeted operating profit.
*Measure the financial performance of your staff overall and as individuals against the costs of running the store to ensure the best possible productivity.
*To actively champion, promote and remain a strong ambassador of the brand
Day to day running of the store including operations and administration. Communicate effectively with Head of Sales to ensure the Retail team are kept up to date and any relevant issues are swiftly exchanged and acted upon.
*Responsible for the development of fully trained, informative, highly motivated and expert Travel Consultants who deliver exceptional service and revenue.
*Research the local area, resident and business client bases and local competition to gain a thorough understanding of your target market and identify opportunities for developing local sales revenues.
*Develop local marketing initiatives and campaigns and set up in-store events where appropriate and commercially beneficial to drive sales and build relationships with loyal local customers.
*Ensure all staff have an excellent understanding of all destinations sold by the company and other travel partners featured in the store and each becomes an expert in at least one particular region.
*Ensure the presentation of the staff and the store is kept to the highest standards and is smart, professional and up to date at all times, including the shop windows and brochure racks and other display areas.
*Forecast walk-in business, plan staffing levels and opening hours accordingly, well in advance to ensure excellent customer service is maintained at all times.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
*Experience of managing a retail travel store, with profit and staff responsibility.
*Strong track record of delivering sales results and exceptional service.
*A genuine passion for travel especially long-haul destinations with considerable first hand experience and knowledge of destinations that the company sells.
*Good all round understanding of the sales and commercial aspects of tour operating, including scheduled flying.
*Excellent working knowledge of at least one travel agent or tour operators reservations system

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
*Excellent commercial judgement.
*Can demonstrate achievements in meeting tough sales targets and delivering exceptional customer service at the same time.
*Shows by their actions that they consider exceptional customer service to be of paramount importance.
*Understands the importance of the sales and customer service function as a crucial medium for conveying a company's brand vision and values.
*Proven ability to motivate, enthuse and lead a team; thrives during periods of pressure and high volume of work and able to create an upbeat, motivating sales environment.
*Persuasive, articulate and influential, but down to earth and friendly with customers, staff and colleagues alike.
*Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities. Resourceful and practical.

PACKAGE
The successful candidate can expect a competitive salary including fantastic company bonuses and benefits.

APPLY
To apply for this Store Manager role, contact Gerry on 0207 347 5060 or hit "apply" now.