Business Development Manager

Celebrity Cruises is a global, multi‑billion‑dollar luxury cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, with local offices in Sydney, Australia. Operating a modern fleet of 15 ships, the brand sails to destinations across the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Asia, South America, the Galapagos and Australia/New Zealand.

Celebrity has a strong and long‑standing presence in Australia and New Zealand, contributing approximately 60,000 guests annually, with around 50% travelling internationally. The deployment of the award‑winning Edge® Series to the region underscores Celebrity’s continued investment and growth ambitions locally.

Renowned for innovation, design and service excellence, Celebrity Cruises has earned hundreds of global industry awards, including recognition from TIME and Forbes Travel Guide. Guided by its purpose to “Open up the World,” the brand is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, championing diversity and inclusion, and advancing sustainability across its fleet and destinations. With this investment, the brand is targeting significant growth over the coming years, with all global regions expected to source more guests and grow revenues.

Reporting to the Head of National Accounts, the Business Development Manager is responsible for driving and achieving revenue growth, expanding high value trade partnerships, and elevating the Celebrity Cruises brand within their assigned territory

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties below are the main duties & responsibilities, however this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by the Head of National Accounts or management.

ACCOUNT PLANNING

• Account manage and develop high value retail stores and partners within a geographical region to meet sales objectives.
• Implement a targeted call cycle (face to face & remote) prioritising top-performing and growth accounts to maximise commercial outcomes focusing on APD growth and revenue targets.
• Monitor and report competitor activity, marketing, pricing, consumer and trade trends.
• Record activities and trade partner contacts in Salesforce in a timely manner and follow up consistently on the actions set in your stores.
• Support intensification projects and specific sales campaigns as a team.

TRADE ENGAGEMENT & COMMITTMENT 

• Implement a structured training programme covering product, automation and terms and conditions.
• Ensure revenue, passenger and APD targets set by Celebrity Cruises are achieved in your geographical region.
• Prepare and host successful client educational trips i.e., Ship Visits, Inspections, Conferences etc. with targeted sales performance post the event to ensure return on the investment.
• Implement & host successful consumer and trade cruise events in addition and demonstrate a return on investment of time and costs.
• Leverage digital and social platforms to build ongoing engagement and influence frontline travel agents
• Build strong, trusted relationships with key agency stakeholders and frontline consultants

EXECUTION 

• Own sales and marketing delivery with targeted partners, ensuring all activities are tracked and monitored to assess ROI.
• Represent Celebrity Cruises at travel industry exhibitions or any other events as required.
• Structure your calendar effectively to ensure maximum time with the customer and all administration and supportive activities are completed effectively and on time.
• Update and report on activities to the broader sales team.
• Demonstrate strong brand, product and technical knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

• 3+ years of business development experience from a similar position
• Experience influencing external partners to achieve sales outcomes (not just managing relationships)
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to interpret data and translate insights into action
• Proven ability to drive measurable revenue growth and exceed targets
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Collaborative and inclusive, able to self-motivate and self-direct
• Able to identify and map trends and analyse data and reports to find business opportunities
• Experienced at compiling and following strict budgets
• Experienced at preparing and presenting quarterly goals and forecasts for future projects
• Comfortable in both a leadership and team-player role
• Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge
• Strong personal network or prospect portfolio, comfortable with hunting new business
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (and Power BI preferred)
• Comfortable as an early adopter of AI‑enabled and emerging technologies, using innovation to enhance efficiency and commercial outcomes.
• Fluent communication in person, on the phone, and in email
• Valid driver’s licence with a clear driving record.

INTERNAL/ EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Trade Partners
• Celebrity Cruises Australia, New Zealand and International Team
• The wider Sales Team, Trade Marketing and Sales Support team in AUNZ
• Shared services including GTS, Guest Engagement and Finance