Head of Business Development - Leisure

Job Title: Head of Business Development – Leisure

Location: South West England (Hybrid)

Business: Howard Travel, part of Talma UK

Reporting to: CEO

About the role

Talma UK is growing rapidly, and our leisure travel proposition is a key part of that journey. This role leads the growth, performance and optimisation of our UK leisure travel portfolio, developing a high-end luxury leisure division with the potential to scale nationally.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders to shape strategy, drive commercial performance and build a strong, engaged leisure community — internally and externally.

Strategy & Growth

• Shape and deliver the leisure business strategy
• Define and embed clear market positioning
• Communicate strategic priorities across teams

Business Development & Partnerships

• Own and execute B2C sales growth strategies
• Build strong supplier and industry partnerships
• Set and deliver revenue targets with branch leadership
• Enable agents to identify and convert new opportunities
• Strengthen social media presence and market visibility

Leadership & Culture

• Act as a visible, trusted leader
• Create a positive, collaborative culture
• Coach and develop leisure teams across the UK
• Lead structured performance and development reviews

Financial Performance

• Ensure strong operational and financial controls
• Monitor budgets and forecasts, taking action where needed

Communication & Brand

• Drive clear, two-way communication
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Partner with Marketing on sales and brand activity

Essential

• 4–5+ years’ experience in travel retail management or high-end hospitality
• Proven success driving brand awareness and incremental sales
• Strong understanding of the retail travel market
• Experience delivering B2C marketing initiatives
• Creative, commercially minded and opportunity-focused
• Confident working across multiple locations and teams
• Full driving licence

Desirable

• GDS knowledge (preferably Sabre)
• Experience leading operational teams

Ways of working at Talma UK

We’re people-first, commercially grounded and growth-focused. We value open dialogue, practical excellence and leaders who actively shape culture — not just talk about it.

Talma UK is committed to building an inclusive, fair and equitable workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

• Executive

• Full-time

• Business Development and Sales

• Travel Arrangements