THE COMPANY
The Abbey Group is an established and fast-growing Destination Management Company dedicated to selling the destinations of Ireland and the UK to the International travel trade on a B2B basis. The Group has offices in Dublin and Edinburgh with a remote team presence across Ireland, the UK and a number of European countries. Today, the group consists of Abbey The Destination Experts (Ireland & UK), Abbey Conferences, Abbey Events and Moloney & Kelly (Ireland & UK).
The Group has five divisions specialising in specific types of inbound tourism:
- Group Travel
- Individual & Online Travel
- Incentive & Luxury Leisure Travel
- Conferences
- Events
WHY WORK FOR US
- Progressive Company
- Deloitte Best Managed company for 15 consecutive years
- Hybrid/blended working option available
- Up to 60 days per year remote working abroad
- A paid day off on your birthday & an additional paid day off over the Christmas period
- Occupational Pension Scheme
- Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
- Discretionary flexible benefit contribution towards pension or health care plan
- Learning and development opportunities – individual training budget per year
- Employee Assistance Programme – health & wellbeing support
- Active Social Committee and Green Team including free events throughout the year
- The Abbey Group is proud to hold a certification for being a Great Place To Work UK & a Great Place to Work Ireland
TITLE OF VACANCY: Groups Executive, North European Groups Department, Dublin
based (Hybrid).
Due to the ongoing expansion of our business, we are seeking an experienced individual in both, Business Development & Customer Care with a proven record of accomplishment in handling leisure groups.
THE ROLE:
This role is an exciting opportunity for a candidate who has strong organisational skills,
capable of handling and operating a large volume of groups and who is looking to
develop their career in a fast growing travel company.
Some international travel may be required and will be in compliance with the company’s Business Travel Policy.
CORE DUTIES INCLUDE:
Business Development responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with both existing and potential new
- clients in the North European markets group department
- Active hands on role in the Business Development function. This will involve the preparation and costing of proposed client group and series programmes and dealing with the client to ensure their subsequent conversion to confirmed business.
- Full utilisation of the Tourplan NX system to generate all client quotations and subsequent follow up, also ensuring that the confirmed proposal is accurately reflected in Tourplan NX.
- Following up with the client in a timely way to convert offers and quotes into profitable sales.
- Development of relationships with overseas clients
- Full utilization of our CRM system
- Any agreed sales and marketing activities, either in Ireland or in the overseas marketplace. This could take the form of either desk-based activities or direct agent/client interaction.
Customer Care responsibilities:
- Provide the full Account Handling/Customer Services function for leisure groups. The key to this is to ensure that groups are being operated to the highest customer care standard. Timely and professional communication with clients.
- Meeting deadlines, optimizing margins and while operating a large volume of groups in multiple markets.
- Margin optimization through upselling.
- Full utilisation of the Tourplan NX to generate all client and supplier communication, also ensuring that the confirmed proposal is accurately reflected in Tourplan thereby facilitating a smooth and accurate accounting process.
- Develop and maintain sustainable relationships with clients and suppliers.
- Developing relationship with guides and securing guides to each leisure group.
- Quoting of ad hoc group and series business as and if required.
- Meeting/visiting clients as appropriate and if required.
- Attending Trade shows as appropriate and if required.
- Participation in the 24 hour on- call rota for Irish leisure groups.
- Assistance with the supervision of any trainees assigned to the area.
- Any other duties as assigned by your manager or director and this could be in another department within Abbey The Destination Experts.
- Assisting the Abbey Group with its environmental and responsible tourism initiatives.
REQUIREMENTS:
Essential:
- Fluency in German and English (oral & written)
- Good knowledge of Ireland-wide tourism industry products
- Good organisational skills
- Team player that is able to work in a busy environment
Desirable:
- Tour plan NX knowledge a distinct advantage
- Working experience with groups or DMC
Abbey Group is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee assistance program
- Work from home
Application question(s):
- What are your salary expectations?
- What is your notice period?
- As German language is essential for this role, what is your level of German?
Work authorisation:
- Ireland (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dublin 8, CO. Dublin
Reference ID: GRPS EXEC GE Ireland
Expected start date: 01/10/2025