Professional Development Manager - Aus/Nz

Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 54 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $28-$32 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.Virtuoso.Com.
The Professional Development Manager – AUS/NZ strives for the successful execution of a self-sustainable, strategic program of professional development and training in the region.
You are responsible for providing input into and delivering the design and implementation of the regional training and professional development plan. This plan is a key component of the regional business plan designed to maximize Virtuoso’s performance in the market.
This role is charged with increasing Virtuoso regional revenue through successfully implementing the regional professional development and training program. Key stakeholders include the professional development team in the US, the membership team in region, the partnership team in region, and members, advisors, and partners in region.
The position is a key member of the market team, reporting directly to the General Manager in the region, and plays a leadership role with the market team and the broader global Virtuoso partner relations department.
The role matrixes into the Director, Professional Development and Training in the US.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Deliver and execute the professional development and training business plan and budget.
Ensure compliance with the Virtuoso “playbook”.
Delivery of the key performance metrics as outlined in the Regional Business Plan.
Provide input into the regional business plan and budget.
Governance of professional development and training in region.
Work closely with the Director, Professional Development &
Training to regionalizeUS Focused course for regional relevance.
Recommend, develop, curate and facilitate professional development and training for AUNZ Members.
Responsibility for creating a “WOW” experience when leading interactions with external and internal customers by consistently exceeding expectations.
Develop a feedback loop to assure that courses meet audience needs (validated by improved performance) to improve the quality, effectiveness, and value of training.
Manage processes, implementation, and results of Virtuoso’s Live and Pre-Record Webinar and Immersion Programs in the region.
Host and facilitate live webinars via GoToWebinar/Zoom and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Co-ordinate and communicate pre-recorded product webinars to members as needed.
Advise partners on promotional content and presentation best practices.
Conduct pre-webinar content reviews/practice sessions (when requested) to ensure quality presentations.
Responsible for the timely execution, accuracy and integrity of assigned partner training programs.
Export and format all webinar/training program reports and summaries. *
Oversee and manage webinar scheduling, including scheduling in GoToWebinar/Zoom, updating the scheduling SmartSheet, Magazine Manager and sending confirmation emails to partners. *
Maintain processes for uploading webinar recordings to the LMS. *
Coordinate all content for the weekly training newsletter, including submission reminders, organizing promotional materials, and editing for content and accuracy.
Proactive interdepartmental engagement.
Achieve and exceed departmental goals and revenue targets.
Engagement of partners in product training opportunities.
Attendance at member conferences &
meetings as required.
Represent Virtuoso at industry trade shows.
Create content and conduct monthly regional market update meetings for partners.
Attend industry functions and events as required, which may take place outside normal business hours.
Other duties as required.
Educational and Skills Requirements:
Qualification in Business, Travel &
Tourism or Marketing
5+ years related work experience including the following:
Strong experience in the industry
Understanding of the market
Experience contributing at a senior level to team performance
Prior experience in industry training and development specifically for advisors
Innovation – Forward thinking, curious and creative
Commercial acumen – negotiation and strategy
CRM – proficiency in using the company platform
Leadership – Ability to lead people or projects
Marketplace Awareness – Current business trend knowledge
Analytical Skills (intermediate) – Ability to collect and analyze information, problem solve, and make decisions
Collaboration – Strong skills in inspiring the win-win-win
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Project management skills
Excellent presentation skills
Proven ability to mentor
Results orientated with a focus on commercial delivery
Strong quality service attitude and approach
Self-motivated and energetic
Champion of company goals and objectives
Travel Requirements:
Approximately 20%+ of time for this role will be spent travelling, working with members.
Travel will be primarily domestic but may include some international.
Type/Nature of Contacts:
Internal:
Key job contacts are primarily with the US-based PD team, other Account Directors, the Marketing and Events Director, the Account Director Partner Relations, and Market General Manager.
External:
Majority of time spent in the market with members