Group Sales Specialist– Travel Trade & Business Development (Telesales)

Job Overview

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens seeks a driven, results-oriented Group Sales Manager focused on telesales and business development for the travel trade and group bookings. This South African-based role is ideal for a dynamic sales professional skilled at generating leads, managing relationships, and converting opportunities over the phone. Your primary objective will be to increase group visits, bookings, and revenue streams through proactive outbound sales calls and targeted follow-ups.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively conduct outbound telesales calls to travel agencies, tour operators, group travel organisers, coach companies, and concierge services.
• Generate and nurture sales leads, manage follow-ups, and convert prospects into confirmed group bookings.
• Develop and implement a targeted telesales strategy aimed at increasing group ticket sales and packaged experiences (gardens, lunches, wine tastings).
• Maintain an organised, up-to-date CRM database of contacts, leads, and customer interactions.
  Collaborate with the marketing team to create sales scripts, collateral, promotional materials, and special offers tailored to groups.
• Provide regular sales performance reports, market insights, and competitor analysis.
• Establish and maintain strong client relationships through consistent, professional communication to ensure repeat business and referrals.
• Work with operational teams to ensure smooth and memorable experiences for all group bookings.
  
  Required Experience and Skills
• Proven experience in telesales or business development within the tourism, hospitality, or travel sectors.
• Excellent telephone sales skills, including cold calling, lead nurturing, objection handling, and closing techniques.
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and comfortable working independently with clear performance targets.
• Strong organisational skills and familiarity with CRM systems for managing sales pipelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to attend occasional in-person meetings or events.
  
  Preferred but Not Essential
• Existing relationships or networks within the UK travel trade and tourism sector.
• Previous experience promoting luxury, heritage, or high-end tourism destinations.