Travel Specialist

Come and join one of the world's leading luxury travel brands

Abercrombie & Kent was founded in 1962 and as an international travel group has grown to over 55 offices in 30 countries.  For over half a century, Abercrombie & Kent has been a pioneer in the world of luxury travel, redefining the notion of what is possible on holiday and delivering travel experiences that change the way travellers see the world and see themselves.

The Role

A&K (Aust) is seeking an experienced Travel Specialistto join our Melbourne based domestic reservations team.

This full-time role is an excellent opportunity for a travel consultant who is considering a return to the travel industry and looking for job security (without the long hours). Be part of a friendly, dynamic and high performing team!

As a Travel Specialist you will be responsible for creating, marketing, selling and delivering tailormade itineraries for travel within Australia and New Zealand and actively contributing to the achievement of the Inbound team’s sales targets.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Actively and consistently sell to achieve individual and team sales targets (primarily working through internationally based wholesalers).
• Follow up all enquiries with the aim of converting to firm business.
• Ability to prepare deluxe itineraries in line with A&K client high expectations. This requires flair, flexibility, attention to detail and additional research when required.
• A commitment to open communication with marketing offices, agents and direct clients setting clear and definitive expectations, with an aim of same day to 24 hour turnaround.
• Qualifying, creating and presenting detailed itineraries.
• Relationship development and maintenance with key agents – both international and domestic.
• Working closely with the Operation Specialist to ensure a high level of service delivery
• Overseeing all financial transactions within a booking in Travel Studio, including invoicing, margins, credits, deposits, payments and cancellations.
• Assist GRS (Guest Relations Specialist) with overflow of Welcome call & farewell call clients when on ground.
• Management of all domestic flight reservations and ticketing.

Other Responsibilities

• Attending meetings and product training sessions (including out of normal office hours, external etc.)
• Assist with the emergency afterhours phone on a roster basis

We are looking for someone with high attention to detail, excellent communication skills and with a commitment to customer service excellence.

To be successful you will have:

• Recent tourism qualifications or minimum 2 + years’ experience working in the travel industry
• Previous experience in a reservations or consulting role
• Experience working for an Inbound Tour Operator is preferred.
• Excellent product knowledge of Australia and New Zealand
• Demonstrated sales skills and knowledge of sales principals.
• Experience preparing FIT tailor made quote proposals
• Multi-lingual desired, but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)
• Experience in using an in-house travel system (Travel Studio experience would be considered an advantage)
• Experience using a Global Distribution System (GDS) preferably Sabre 
• Committed to the highest level of customer service.
• Lateral thinking a must.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Excellent communications skills – both written & verbal
• Team player is a must with an enthusiastic approach to the job.
• Willingness to take on challenges.
• Strong time management skills are essential.

Why work for A&K?

Our valued team of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand each share a passion for making travel dreams a reality. These enthusiastic individuals come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

What you can expect with A&K

• Flexible and inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to expand their skill set, take on challenges and contribute positively to our collective team. 
• Supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K
• Investment in our staff with both in-house and external training opportunities
• Opportunity to progress your career, not just in Australia but as part of our global business 
• Familiarisation/education travel opportunities
• 3 extra Wellbeing leave days per year (in addition to your Annual and Personal Leave entitlements)
• Work in the enviable CBD office location close to public transport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Monthly Birthday celebrations
• Opportunity to work from home as part of our hybrid working from home/office model
• An organisation that is mindful of the environment, conscious of waste and seeks to minimise our eco-footprint. 

We're also a company that makes a difference.  Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has proudly supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years.

If you meet the selection criteria and have appropriate work rights, we would love to hear from you. Apply by sending your resume and covering letter outlining why you'd be perfect for the role.