Sales Manager DACH - Japan Specialist

At Kuoni Tumlare, we deliver truly inspiring and innovative solutions and experiences that create value both for our Partners and Society at large. Our wide portfolio of products and solutions is built on 100+ years of destination management experience.

Our solutions include series tours, technical visits, educational tours, Japanspecialist travel consulting, as well as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Our product portfolio includes MyBus excursions at destinations as well as guaranteed departure tours devised and delivered by our Seat-in-Coach specialists, Europamundo (EMV) and MyBus Landcruise. We cater to a wide range of customer needs in close collaboration with our trusted suppliers and powered by our team of destinations experts - enabling us to make a real difference to the world.

About the Business

Japanspecialist is part of the JTB Corporation, one of the world's most prominent travel companies. Founded in Japan in 1912, JTB has grown into a global force in the tourism industry, employing over 18,500 people across 35 countries. At Japanspecialist, we are dedicated to offering unforgettable travel experiences to Japan and beyond. With our 360° approach to travel design, we create tailor-made journeys that cover flights, accommodation, guided tours, excursions, and other specialized arrangements.

About the Role

We are seeking a native German-speaking, dynamic, and results-driven Sales Manager to expand Japanspecialist’s business into the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) markets. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth, establishing our brand presence in these key regions, and leading our sales team. With a strong background in the travel industry, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record in both B2C and B2B sales, the successful candidate will work closely with our team to consistently meet and exceed sales targets.

This is an exciting role for an entrepreneurial and well connected Sales Manager to develop X3 markets in a growing and interesting area of the industry.  The sky is the limit and the right person can expect quick development and learning opportunities and be at the beginning of a phenomenal growth journey.

Key Activities

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective sales strategies that align with overall business goals to consistently meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Lead, motivate, and mentor the sales team to ensure both individual and team success.
• Actively prospect for and acquire new B2B accounts.
• Gain market share within the B2C segment through targeted strategies.
• Engage in proactive daily sales activities and consult directly with clients to understand their needs.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to design and execute effective sales campaigns and promotional activities.
• Oversee social media campaigns and review content translation to ensure localized messaging.
• Work closely with the operations team to support product development that resonates with the DACH market.
• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for business growth.
• Prepare and deliver regular sales reports, forecasts, and actionable insights to management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines and other key partners.
• Provide excellent customer service, ensuring prompt resolution of escalated issues and inquiries.
• Stay informed about industry developments, emerging trends, and competitor offerings to maintain a competitive edge.
• Represent the company at industry events and networking opportunities to foster relationships and brand awareness.

Staff management

• Foster a healthy, productive work environment that encourages team success.
• Take overall responsibility for staff training, coaching, and development to build a high-performing team.
• Ensure fair and balanced task distribution and monitor workload effectively.
• Coordinate vacation and emergency planning to ensure team efficiency.
• Conduct regular staff performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and standards of discipline.
• Proactively manage attendance and resolve any staffing issues.
• Maintain open lines of communication with staff, regularly sharing updates and information