Business Development Manager - Nashville

Position Overview

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving B2B sales growth and expanding market share by developing strategic relationships with travel agents within an assigned territory. This role involves executing territory management plans, delivering training and marketing support, and promoting brand initiatives through in-person and virtual engagement. The Business Development Manager will work closely with the Sales leadership team, Strategic Partner Division, and Marketing to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and maximize agency performance.

The ideal candidate will have strong sales acumen, excellent communication and presentation skills, and experience in travel industry account management or business development.

• Territory Management & Strategic Sales Execution:
  Design and implement strategies for territory management and business development. Make assigned sales calls per week to travel agency accounts. Conduct sales browses to support specific company initiatives.
• Travel Agent Relationship Building & Support:
  Foster long‑term relationships with travel agents to drive sales growth. Maintain frequent contact with RVP/VP North America to ensure territory needs are met. Collaborate with the Strategic Partner Division to manage shared accounts.
• Training &
  
  Education:
  
  Conduct training sessions and webinars to educate travel agents on Carnival Cruise Line offerings, promotions, and booking processes. Develop and deliver engaging training materials, including presentations, videos, and interactive content. Organize ship inspections, trade shows, pier side overnights, and seminars at sea.
• Marketing & Promotional Strategy:
  Enhance promotional effectiveness and develop marketing strategies. Provide travel agents with promotional materials and make recommendations to improve agency marketing efforts.
• Data Management & Reporting:
  Maintain accurate and detailed agency database through Oracle Sales Cloud or current CRM. Complete required reporting of activities and track budgeted tools.
• Budget & Co‑op Management:
  Manage territory budget and co‑op marketing needs in alignment with corporate guidelines.

• Scope:
  Serve as the primary liaison between Carnival and travel agency partners within a designated territory. Manage a portfolio of accounts, execute strategic sales initiatives, and deliver training and marketing support to drive revenue growth. Operate independently in the field, representing the brand and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives across all agency interactions.
• Problem Solving:
  Navigate a dynamic and competitive travel landscape, identifying opportunities for growth and resolving challenges within agency relationships. Adapt strategies to meet territory‑specific needs, analyze performance data to inform decision‑making, and respond to market shifts with agility.
• Impact:
  Directly influence Carnival Cruise Line’s market share and revenue performance through strategic engagement with travel agents. Foster long‑term relationships, deliver impactful training, and promote brand initiatives to keep Carnival top‑of‑mind among agency partners. Success in this role contributes to increased bookings, enhanced brand visibility, and stronger partnerships across the travel distribution channel.
• Leadership:
  Demonstrate leadership through influence, collaboration, and strategic guidance. Lead training sessions, coordinate cross‑functional initiatives with internal teams (e.g., Strategic Partner Division), and serve as a trusted advisor to travel agents. Share territory insights and participate in company‑wide promotional efforts.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
• 5+ years of proven experience in sales and marketing, preferably within the travel or hospitality industry
• Proven experience in sales, preferably within the travel or hospitality industry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of travel agent distribution channel
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and results oriented

25–50% with…