Sales Manager- Japan Specialist

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Sales Manager to lead and further develop our Dutch sales organization. You will be responsible for driving profitable growth across B2C and B2B channels while building a high-performing, motivated team. As a key leader in the local team, you will play an important role in shaping Japanspecialist’s market position in the Netherlands.

• Develop and execute a clear sales strategy to drive sustainable and profitable growth.

• Lead, motivate, and mentor the sales team to achieve individual and team targets.

• Manage and expand relationships with existing B2B clients while actively prospecting and acquiring new B2B accounts.

• Gain market share in local B2C segment.

• Remain hands-on where needed, supporting key sales activities and client consultations.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to create and execute sales campaigns and promotional activities.

• Cooperate with marketing on campaigns, proofreading new content.

• Work closely with the operations team in product development.

• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities and stay competitive.

• Prepare and present regular sales reports and forecasts to management.

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with airlines and key partners.

• Provide excellent customer service and resolve escalated customer issues.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, products, and services to ensure the agency's offerings remain competitive.

• Representation of the company in industry events and build relationships with key partners.

You will have full people management responsibility for the local sales team, ensuring a healthy, high-performing, and engaged working environment including:

• Hire and onboard new employees

• Overall responsibility for staff trainings, coaching and motivation

• Ensuring optimal and fair task distribution and follow-up

• Workload control and volume distribution

• Coordination of vacation and emergency planning and control

• Ensuring regular staff performance evaluation

• Making sure that all the procedures and company policies are followed by staff

• Resolving staff issues

• Regular information sharing with staff

• Degree qualified preferably in Economics / Tourism related field

• Proven track record of successful sales management in the travel industry, with a minimum of 5 years of experience

• Strong commercial and financial understanding, including margin and profitability management.

• Customer service experience in emergency handling

• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office

• Native Dutch and business proficiency English language skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A strong passion for Japan and its culture as a travel destination

• A leadership mindset combined with hands-on mentality

• A structured yet entrepreneurial approach to problem solving

• A manager role within an international, specialist travel organization

• Ongoing learning, product immersion, and leadership development opportunities

• Flexible & Hybrid Working: 2 days from home, 3 days in the office in Sloterdijk / Amsterdam