Business Development Manager (UK)

Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager reports to the Regional Sales Director, UK & Europe and is responsible for driving incremental sales and revenue growth for Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit across the UK and selected European markets.

The role owns a portfolio of developing trade partners and distribution channels, translating regional sales priorities into targeted account strategies that expand market penetration, strengthen partner capability, and increase rail guest volumes. Success is achieved through commercial ownership, effective relationship management, data-informed decision making, and close collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Territory & Revenue Growth

• Deliver agreed sales, revenue, and market-share objectives across an assigned territory by executing targeted account and business development plans.

• Manage territory budgets and sales activity plans, prioritizing opportunities that generate the strongest commercial return.

• Identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities across retail consortia, independent travel agencies, homeworker networks, wholesalers, tour operators, and specialist group organizers.

• Expand Canyon Spirit distribution by developing new partner relationships, creating sales opportunities, and converting demand into incremental rail guest volume.

• Maintain accurate forecasts and pipeline visibility, providing commercial insights and recommendations that support regional growth objectives.

Partner Development & Distribution Expansion

• Develop structured growth plans for assigned partners that increase sales performance, revenue contribution, and long-term commercial value.

• Build partner confidence in selling Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit through consistent engagement, product expertise, and business planning.

• Identify high-potential partners and opportunities for future strategic growth within the territory.

• Collaborate with partners to develop promotional opportunities, commercial initiatives, and sales-driving activities that strengthen brand presence.

• Ensure Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit remain visible and actively promoted within partner sales and marketing activity.

Trade Training & Market Engagement

• Deliver training initiatives that improve product knowledge, increase sales confidence, and support stronger conversion outcomes among trade partners.

• Work collaboratively with Key Account Managers to lead the development and delivery of targeted sales training initiatives that enhance product knowledge, build agent confidence and increase sales conversion across UK and European trade partners.

• Increase engagement with the agent portal and TRACKS training programs by identifying opportunities to strengthen participation and learning effectiveness.

• Secure participation in Learning Journeys and familiarization programs and ensure post-program actions translate into measurable sales growth.

• Represent Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit at trade shows, roadshows, conferences, partner meetings, and industry events to expand awareness and generate demand.

• Support the development of training resources and sales tools that create a consistent and effective partner experience.

Relationship Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and maintain productive relationships with trade partners, industry stakeholders, and colleagues that support sustainable commercial growth.

• Partner with Key Account Managers, Global Sales, Partnership Marketing, Groups, Analytics, and Product teams to align activities and maximize market opportunities.

• Establish trusted relationships across multiple levels within partner organizations to strengthen long-term engagement and business performance.

• Act as a professional ambassador for Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, ensuring accurate and consistent representation of products, policies, and brand positioning.

• Demonstrate accountability by delivering on commitments, responding promptly to partner needs, and maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.

Commercial Planning & Business Insights

• Use Salesforce and available business intelligence tools to evaluate booking trends, sales performance, conversion rates, and market opportunities.

• Apply data and market intelligence to prioritize activity, refine territory strategies, and improve commercial outcomes.

• Prepare business plans, commercial proposals, and presentations that support account development and new business acquisition.

• Share competitor, market, and customer insights that help inform regional sales decisions and future growth opportunities.

• Support group sales growth by identifying opportunities, monitoring performance, and facilitating timely information sharing that supports inventory management.

What You Bring

• Ability to independently manage priorities, territory plans, and commercial objectives within a remote working environment.

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify growth opportunities and translate them into measurable business results.

• Effective relationship-building and influencing skills with internal and external stakeholders.

• Confidence presenting, training, and communicating with audiences at varying levels of experience and seniority.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills supported by sound business judgment.

• Initiative, accountability, and a proactive approach to delivering commitments and achieving results.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, market conditions, and emerging opportunities.

Experience & Qualifications

Required

• Minimum five years' experience within the travel and tourism industry, including success in business development, account management, and sales growth.

• Strong understanding of UK travel trade distribution, particularly retail travel agents, consortia, homeworker networks, and tour operators.

• Experience developing commercial relationships, identifying market opportunities, and implementing sales strategies.

• Experience supporting partner marketing campaigns and sales initiatives.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Salesforce or similar CRM platforms, and business intelligence tools.

• Valid UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

Preferred

• Cruise industry experience.

• Knowledge of commercial negotiations, contracting, and partner incentive programs.

• Understanding of UK travel industry regulations, including Package Travel Regulations.

• Additional European language skills, particularly German.

Work Environment

• Full-time, home-based position in the UK.

• Regular domestic travel and occasional international travel, particularly within Europe.

• Ability to travel up to 60% of working time as business needs require.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of trade events and partner activities.

Perks & Benefits
Armstrong Collective supports the health and well-being of its team members through a comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may also enjoy travel benefits, and additional company perks.