Business Development Manager (Cruising and Hospitality)

Published on behalf of our client - Reputable Expedition Cruise Company.
Region: DACH / 100% involvement required.
Sales focus: B2B across Germany/Austria/Switzerland.
Location: Germany / Hybrid /Remote.
About the Role
On behalf of our client — a reputable expedition cruising company — we are seeking a highly driven and commercially minded Business Development Manager B2B / DACH Region to lead trade sales growth across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (priority focus).

Reporting directly to the Director of Sales Europe, this role is responsible for implementing strategic business development initiatives, building strong trade partnerships, and accelerating revenue growth across the DACH region.

This is a strategic, revenue-generating position with full ownership of the DACH trade channel. Successful candidate should have strong experience within cruise, expedition, or luxury travel, understands high-end clientele expectations, and bring a proactive, entrepreneurial, and digitally confident mindset. Genuine love for travel in particular -expedition travel is essential for the role.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Development & Trade Partnerships
• Identify, acquire, and activate new B2B partners across DACH (luxury travel agencies, tour operators, MICE agencies, charter brokers).
• Develop structured account plans for key partners.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and drive partner performance.
• Support the development of charter, space contracts, and group business opportunities.
• Align value propositions with the company’s premium expedition positioning.
2. Trade Sales Activation & Education
• Increase brand visibility within the trade channel.
• Deliver product trainings (virtual & in-person), webinars, and workshops.
• Act as a subject matter expert in expedition cruising.
• Develop expedition sales growth plans for key agencies.
• Provide hands-on support to key accounts to maximize conversion.
3. Strategic Commercial Development
• Identify and activate MICE and high-value group opportunities.
• Coordinate group set-up and fulfilment with internal departments.
• Monitor performance KPIs and adjust market strategies proactively.
4. Marketing & Digital Collaboration
• Work closely with marketing to support newsletters, trade communications, and localized campaigns.
• Ensure correct positioning of marketing materials adapted to the DACH luxury audience.
• Support development of sales tools and selling kits for trade.
• Be digital-friendly and leverage CRM tools, LinkedIn, webinars, and digital platforms for partner activation.
5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Work closely with Consumer Sales, Commercial Planning, and Operations.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insights from DACH region.
• Share best practices across Europe.
• Lead and project-manage initiatives as defined by the Director of Sales Europe.
Profile & Qualifications
Experience
• Minimum 5+ years in cruise, luxury travel, or tour operator business.
• Strong B2B sales and business development.
• Experience in Expedition product or destination-driven travel experience could be strong add value.
• Proven record of driving revenue growth and developing new markets.
Skills & Competencies
• Strong understanding of the luxury travel ecosystem in DACH.
• Experience with high-value transactions and premium clientele.
• Commercial acumen with strategic and analytical thinking.
• Highly organized and capable of working independently.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Digital-savvy and comfortable with CRM systems and online training tools.
• Ability to travel up to 20% within the region.
Languages:
• German – Fluent – essential
• English – Fluent – essential

Additional languages are considered an advantage.
Personal Attributes
• Passion for travel and exploration.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proactive approach.
• Results-driven with strong ownership mentality.
• Team player with positive attitude
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, international environment.
Application Process
Please submit your CV in English.
Our recruitment process includes structured interviews, skills-based assessments, and video presentation to evaluate fit for this high-performance role.