Business Development & Contracting Specialist

A global travel management business with an African soul, committed to our people, customers and suppliers by providing exceptional quality, service and value in a sustainable manner.Description To calculate existing series, groups and packages, to the effect of meeting deadlines, client price & product expectations as well as management expectations To distribute relevant information internally To set up training attendance and participation of additional supplier training / meetings as per relevance To negotiate & handle logistics of client trips and fam trips To request reports in time for various meetings, identifying the relevant information required To successfully plan and execute pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, services and events to create and maintain relationships that will satisfy individual and organizational objectives. Responsibilities To ensure client expectations are met and the highest delivery of service is driven through the business To ensure that clients are offered the best available price and product To continually look at creative ideas and review products which are offered to clients To build and retain relationships with suppliers Negotiate best rates and products Establish and maintain good relationships with all GoVacation Africa/Tourvest staff To ensure effective communication with suppliers and colleagues at all times

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CONTRACTING

Meet clients & managements price versus offering expectations. Offering of competitive rates Value for money options Adhere to turnaround times and deadlines Presentation of proposals Understanding the needs of clients target market and developing of product accordingly within a competitive market Communicate market research with direct line manager Assist with supplier dialogue & rate negotiations Product Development for client specific brochure contracting Understanding the markets Analysing clients portfolio Analysing competitor portfolio Assisting with liaising between Business Development & Operations / Reservations Negotiate series & other rates with suppliers Re-Negotiate rates for improved margins Brochure / Competitor Analysis Collecting of competitors brochures and analysing to ensure continuous competitiveness within our specific markets Supplier Negotiation Understanding your specific market and the competition in order to achieve the main goal of ensuring our agents are competitive within the market Maintaining good relationships with suppliers in order to achieve these goals Negotiate rates and value adds to benefit of both the client as well as GoVacation Africa Managing of contracting process Request series & group rates for required validity Set up of allocation overviews Request allocations and where applicable find suitable alternatives Negotiate rates to meet client expectations and for improved profit Saving of documentation in sharepoint Distributing relevant information to internal stakeholders Handover of proposals and vital information to Operations and Reservations Rate Cards Pulling of rate cards Ensure all information on rate cards is correct and properly formatted and then forwarded to the relevant agent Administration of contracting After completion of contracting update all product lists Rate cards to be saved in L/Share Hand over to operations Client update When supplier updates regarding rates are received, information must be updated on all contracts and rate cards and agents must be informed immediately of new rates

ADMINISTRATION

Full understanding and follow-through of all divisional procedures and policies

FINANCIAL REPORTING

Explanation of variances Margin Management (high & low) Rate increases eg series year to year increases Reconciling of files

TEAM WORK

To build and maintain good relationships within the team Pro-actively get involved

SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS

Commitment to and building relationships with Tourvest Destination Management preferred partners Ensure that the best rates are always negotiated and secured Understanding supplier products Establishing best product Personal development on destinations and products Actively source new products and creative ideas

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Continuously develop product knowledge, attend industry events/seminars/conferences, and participate in supplier workshops, educationals and trade shows Keep abreast of industry trends Attend exhibitions, trade shows where necessary

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Turnaround time as per client specifications Documentation Management: Itinerary planning and layout Strong Excel Word Filing Special skills: Time management Problem solving Continually exceed the customer's expectation Financial Qualifications and Expertise Matric/Grade 12 Tertiary Qualification in Tourism would be preferable Tourplan knowledge and execution Strong Excel & Word skills Knowledge of customers' needs and products Ability to negotiate with suppliers for availability and rates Good Tourism industry knowledge Excellent South African and Regional geographic knowledge Strong product knowledge Strong logistical knowledge Strong language skills (English compulsory, German & French advantageous) Competency Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Ability to operate under solid pressure and meet tight deadlines Attention to detail is essential A mature approach when dealing with people Capacity for dealing with employers and workers at all levels Confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people Excellent planning, organisational, and analytical skills Good verbal and written communication skills Integrity and Honesty Good interpersonal and relationship building skills Good Problem solving skills Negotiation and liaison ability Research skills