Sales Executive / Business Development Manager Travel Sector Media Sales

SUMMARY:
The ideal candidate will be a strategic hunter, passionate about growing new business, and comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders across the travel sector.

POSITION INFO:

My client is looking for a proactive and industry-savvy Sales Executive / Business Development Manager to join a respected business-to-business media group. This role focuses on selling advertising solutions to businesses within the travel and tourism industry. The ideal candidate will be a strategic hunter, passionate about growing new business, and comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders across the travel sector.

This is not a field sales rep role; meetings are strategic, by appointment, and planned to optimise time and efficiency. The successful candidate will understand the nuances of B2B media sales and bring industry insight to every client interaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive new business acquisition through proactive prospecting, cold calling, and scheduled client meetings.

• Promote and sell advertising space in a leading B2B travel sector platform.

• Plan and manage a consistent pipeline of leads, ensuring a healthy balance of new prospects and qualified meetings.

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the travel industry, including airlines, tour operators, hospitality providers, and car rental companies.

• Work closely with internal account executives to transition new business and ensure client satisfaction.

• Maintain strong CRM practices, including activity tracking, forecasting, and client engagement reports.

• Represent the publication at industry events and client meetings as required.

Candidate Profile:

Required Experience:

• Proven track record in B2B sales, preferably with a focus on advertising or media sales

• Strong background in the travel industry experience with airlines, tour operators, hotels, or car rental businesses is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated ability to consistently meet or exceed revenue targets.

• Comfortable with prospecting, pitching, and closing new business.

• Experience selling into niche industry platforms or trade publications (advantageous).

Skills and Attributes:

• Confident, articulate communicator with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Strategic thinker with a hunter sales mindset and a drive for results.

• Organised and self-motivated, with strong planning and time-management abilities.

• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Able to align sales strategy with client goals and offer tailored media solutions.

Other Requirements:

• Must currently reside in Johannesburg.

• Valid drivers licence and access to a personal vehicle are non-negotiable.

• Willing to travel for pre-scheduled client meetings and industry events.