Job FunctionsLead opportunities in the Develop Solution Stage of ITA Group’s Value ChainStrategize with Account Executive (AE) and operations counterpart to present destination and hotel optionsDevelop strong client relationships that demonstrate a clear understanding of customer expectations and objectives for programManage account/client relationship during presale stages of programAct as subject matter expert as it relates to destinations/hotels/events
Job RequirementsBachelor’s degree in business or related fieldThree (3) years of related work experience in a negotiator role or similar position within the hospitality/incentive industry is requiredAbility to travel as needed, as requested by internal team members to lead presentation and sales effortsAbility to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred
SkillsProficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPointExcellent negotiation skills in regards to program design and contractingVast knowledge of legal terms and conditions as it relates to 3rd party contracts such as hotel, DMC, A/V, etc.Ability to build rapport and collaborate with all Event Management team members, internal sales team and external customersExcellent time management, strategy and problem solving skillsProven track record of displaying a sense of urgency, sense of ownership and a sense of accountabilitySolid business acumen with a driven, positive and professional attitude and strong work ethicAbility to learn quickly, be resourceful and conduct daily tasks independentlyDemonstrates attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously and in an effective and organized mannerExperience in working with cross-functional teamsExcellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and facilitate direction within a team environment
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Buyer acts as the primary client liaison and presale lead for assigned programs. The Buyer negotiates critical program components based on knowledge of client requirements from initial request through contract completion and turnover which includes recommending supplier and destinations options and solutions. The Buyer develops creative, innovative and competitive products and services that increase ITA Group’s value to its customers. The Buyer proactively negotiates prices and contracts, and creates preliminary budgets.The Buyer develops and maintains geographic expertise for the purpose of delivering sales presentations for both new and existing customers.
The Buyer acts as subject matter expert as it relates to destinations/hotels/events.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
- Lead each opportunity with Sales in the Develop Solution Stage of ITA Group’s Value Chain.
- Strategize with the Account Executive (AE) and operations counterpart to present destination and hotel options that are best suited for the group given the program history, program elements and participant survey requests.
- Develop strong client relationships that demonstrate a clear understanding of the customer’s expectations and objectives for the program.
- Collaborate with clients to ensure program objectives are addressed. Accountable for maintaining proactive, positive, open lines of communication with clients to ensure understanding of expectations and client satisfaction.
- Manage account/client relationship during presale stages of program.
- Facilitate conversations directly with client on event requirements.
- Collaborate with internal business units to develop program inclusions such as air, event technology, communications and amenities
- Act as subject matter expert as it relates to destinations/hotels/events. Conceptualize, research, design and negotiate creative and client appropriate destination recommendations and programs for existing clients.
- Design and develop client presentations including financial investment documents, cost analysis, negotiated savings, rationale for event, etc.
- Lead sales presentations related to product expertise (either in person or via webinar/conference call) performing in a sales capacity with the AE.
- Facilitate conversations directly with client on hotel decision process.
- Construct accurate, rapid cost calculations and provide customers with quotations.
- Review quotes; negotiate prices, concessions and all program elements with our suppliers.
- Demonstrate ongoing negotiations and value to clients. Track and report cost savings on a program-by-program basis, and an annual basis for business reviews.
- Secure best terms of payments with suppliers. Facilitate initial supplier payments.
- Negotiate and quality control contracts with third-party suppliers.
- Build effective partnerships with suppliers.
- Negotiate the terms of client contracts (SOWs) and closing sales.
- Achieve annual profit margin/contribution margin goals for our business unit through negotiations with key suppliers and customers.
- Perform tasks efficiently to maintain appropriate labor utilization goals.
- Actively participate in hotel presentations. Attend supplier meetings focused for the purpose of gaining further hotel and destination expertise and establishing supplier relationships.
- Pursue knowledge on geographic destinations, hotels and other venues through continual interaction and communication with the purchasing team and supplier partners.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
- Three (3) years of related work experience in a negotiator role or similar position within the hospitality/incentive industry is required.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Excellent negotiation skills in regards to program design and contracting.
- Vast knowledge of legal terms and conditions as it relates to 3rd party contracts such as hotel, DMC, A/V, etc.
- Ability to build rapport and collaborate with all of the Event Management team members, internal sales team and internal and external customers.
- Excellent time management, strategy and problem solving skills.
- Excels at building relationships and building buy in. A minimum of three (3) years of managing client relationships is required.
- Proven track record of displaying a sense of urgency, sense of ownership and a sense of accountability.
- Proficiency in business communication including written and verbal skills. Technical writing and client presentation experience is required, along with the ability to interact with all levels of management and respond to questions regarding assigned projects and ITAGroup’s core competencies.
- Solid business acumen with a driven, positive and professional attitude and strong work ethic.
- Performs superiorly in problem solving and decision-making skills with an emphasis in solution development.
- Ability to learn quickly, be resourceful and conduct daily tasks independently.
- Demonstrates attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously and in an effective and organized manner.
- Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and facilitate direction within a team environment.
- Ability to think and act in a proactive manner.
- Ability to travel (as needed), as requested by internal team members to lead presentation and sales efforts.
- Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
- Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.ITA Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Company will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Company.
Life at ITA Group
Thrive Here & What We ValuePassionate about technology and innovation</s> | Collaborative environment where individuals are given defined tasks and projects to complete within a specified timeframe | Adaptable to changing priorities | Emphasis on delivering exceptional solutions to clients</s> | Client-centric, solution-focused mindset | Positive, professional attitude & demeanor | Personal accountability & ability to set clear expectations | Emotional intelligence & fortitude | Focus on quality & desired outcomes | Ability to plan, anticipate needs and communicate risks/impacts | Relationship development and management | Sound decision-making</s> | Uncapped commission structure | Leaders of Excellence annual incentive trip | Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) | Comprehensive healthcare packages.</s> | Comprehensive healthcare packages</s> | 1. Positive work environment | 2. Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration | 3. Encouragement of professional development and growth | 4. Focus on providing excellent customer service | 5. Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace</s> | Emphasis on Creativity and Innovation | Collaborative Work Environment | Focus on Achieving Client's Objectives through Effective Communication Styles and Techniques | Positive Attitude and Effect on Creative/Professional Staff | Solution-Oriented Approach to Resolving Issues</s> | ITA Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer | In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Company will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Company.</s> | Commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies | Prompt, courteous, and exemplary service to all customers, both external and internal, in accordance with ITA Group's Mission, Vision, Values, and Beliefs.</s> | 1. EmployeeOwned Engagement and Loyalty Company | 2. DataDriven Solutions | 3. Unique Motivation and Inspiration for Clients' Employees, Channel Partners, and Customers | 4. Competitive Benefits Package | 5. Great Place to Work</s> | Emphasis on thought leadership and creating custom-crafted experiences that engage and inspire attendees. | Collaborative work style with internal teams, ensuring deliverables are met, budgets are balanced, and client needs are anticipated and aligned to their vision. | Mentorship and training for new team members and Event Managers. | Continuous improvement of processes and workflows. | Emphasis on complex event management and international or new business programs and opportunities.</s> | Employee-owned engagement and loyalty company that provides data-driven solutions designed to uniquely motivate and inspire our clients’ employees, channel partners, and customers. | Creating engaging employee experiences is at the heart of what we do and who we are, and we continuously evaluate our team member benefits to ensure our team members are cared for. We offer an array of competitive benefits, including healthy retirement contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, Volunteer Time Off, paid sabbaticals, anniversary awards, and more! Come join our team, recently recognized by several top organizations as a Great Place to Work.</s> | ITA Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer | Customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred | Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner | Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes</s> | Focus on new business acquisition and growth business | Accountability to prospecting activity and funnel management | Development of robust prospecting plans | Coordination with marketing strategy teams and marketing automation technologies | Proven track record of developing and managing department budget in order to optimize departmental financial performance</s> | Ability to provide mentorship to team members | Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines | Ability to manage multiple high-profile accounts simultaneously</s> | The Company Encourages Prospective Employees and Incumbents to Discuss Potential Accommodations</s> | Data-driven solutions designed to motivate and inspire employees, channel partners, and customers. | Competitive benefits package including healthy retirement contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, Volunteer Time Off, paid sabbaticals, anniversary awards, and more.</s> | 2. Datadriven solutions designed to uniquely motivate and inspire clients’ employees, channel partners and customers. | 3. Creating engaging employee experiences is at the heart of what we do and who we are. | 4. Competitive benefits, including healthy retirement contributions, health, dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, Volunteer Time Off, paid sabbaticals, anniversary awards and more! | 5. Recently recognized by several top organizations as a Great Place to Work.</s> | Embracing Diversity of the Team Across the Organization | Ability to Work Collaboratively with Others | Genuine Interest in Development of Team Members | Positive Professional Attitude</s> | Emphasis on Thought Leadership and Creating Custom-Crafted, Powerful Experiences that Engage and Inspire Attendees | Collaborative Work Environment with Internal Teams to Ensure Deliverables are Met, Budgets are Balanced, and Client Needs are Anticipated and Aligned to Their Vision | Optimizing External Relationships with Third-party Suppliers | Emphasis on Flexibility and Sensitivity to People's Needs | Willingness to Try New Ideas and Challenge Status Quo | Ability to Generate Enthusiasm and Dedication to Support Team Members in Order to Achieve Client Business Objectives</s> | Solid business acumen with a positive, professional attitude | Ability to build strong relationships and earn respect from colleagues | Experience working independently and meeting established guidelines and goals | Ability to display enthusiasm and dedication to support team members to achieve business objectives | Willingness to try new ideas and challenge the status quo</s> | Thought leadership and custom-crafted experiences for clients | Enthusiastic multi-tasking while managing simultaneous events in their entirety along with organizational skills ensuring no detail is left to chance. | Providing on-going client intelligence to team members | Supporting Account Executive (AE) on program planning and with the client overall on the account. Keeping the AE informed throughout the planning process, site inspections, and on program operations.</s> | Customer-focused team environment | Short and long-term planning | Timely communication regarding airline schedules, costs, upgrades and extension plans</s> | ITA Group, Inc. Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. | Willingness to Travel on Programs as Assigned</s> | Employee-owned engagement and loyalty company that provides data-driven solutions designed to uniquely motivate and inspire clients' employees, channel partners, and customers. | Creating engaging employee experiences is at the heart of what they do and who they are. | They continuously evaluate their team member benefits to ensure their team members are cared for. They offer an array of competitive benefits, including healthy retirement contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, Volunteer Time Off, paid sabbaticals, anniversary awards, and more!</s> | ITA Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.