Job Description

THE COMPANY

The Abbey Group is an established and fast-growing Destination Management Company dedicated to selling the destinations of Ireland and the UK to the International travel trade on a B2B basis. The Group has offices in Dublin and Edinburgh with a remote team presence across Ireland, the UK and a number of European countries. Today, the group consists of Abbey The Destination Experts (Ireland & UK), Abbey Conferences, Abbey Events and Moloney & Kelly (Ireland & UK).

The Group has five divisions specialising in specific types of inbound tourism:

Group Travel Individual & Online Travel Incentive & Luxury Leisure Travel Conferences Events

WHY WORK FOR US

Progressive Company Deloitte Best Managed company for 15 consecutive years Hybrid/blended working option available Up to 60 days per year remote working abroad A paid day off on your birthday & an additional paid day off over the Christmas period Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme Discretionary flexible benefit contribution towards pension or health care plan Learning and development opportunities - individual training budget per year Employee Assistance Programme - health & wellbeing support Active Social Committee and Green Team including free events throughout the year The Abbey Group is proud to hold a certification for being a Great Place To Work UK & a Great Place to Work Ireland

TITLE OF VACANCY:

Business Development Executive (12 month Maternity Cover), UK German Speaking Groups, Edinburgh (Hybrid)/London (fully remote with serviced office facility available)

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Executive with a proven track record in converting business from German-speaking markets inbound to the UK. The successful candidate will be fluent in both German and English, commercially driven, and achievement-focused. Strong client relationship skills are essential, with the ability to prepare, cost, and convert group proposals into confirmed business. The role requires excellent communication, attention to detail, and a collaborative team approach, with flexibility to support colleagues across other departments.

THE ROLE:

CORE DUTIES INCLUDE:

Develop and maintain strong relationships with both existing and potential new clients in the German Speaking Groups Market. Active hands-on role in the Business Development function for Abbey The Destination Experts, German Speaking Groups Department. This will involve the preparation and costing of proposed client group and series programs and dealing with the client to ensure their subsequent conversion to confirmed business. Following up with the client in a timely way to convert offers and quotes into profitable sales. Full utilisation of the Tourplan system to generate all quotations and subsequent follow up, also ensuring that the confirmed proposal is accurately reflected in Tourplan. Full utilisation of our CRM system. Any agreed sales and marketing activities, either in UK/Ireland or in the overseas marketplace. This could take the form of either desk-based activities or direct agent/client interaction. Participation in the 24 hour on- call rota for UK leisure groups. The position may also extend to cover support in any of the other company departments as the need arises. Assistance with the supervision of any trainees assigned to the area. Any other duties as assigned from time to time by your Manager or Director (and this could be in another department within Abbey The Destination Experts). Depending on role - Some international travel may be required and will be in compliance with the company's Business Travel Policy.

REQUIREMENTS:

Essential:

Fluency in German required (oral & written) Good knowledge of the UK-wide tourism industry products essential Very good knowledge of MS Office Excellent organisational skills with good attention to detail Being achievement focused and sales driven Strong positive communication skills Being client focused, friendly and diplomatic Team player able to work in a busy environment

Desirable:

Tourplan NX knowledge a distinct advantage Working experience with groups or at DMC distinct advantage
The Abbey Group are committed to offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion, or disability. Our hiring process includes unbiased job postings, diverse interview panels, and objective evaluation criteria. We ensure equal opportunities for promotions, providing all employees with a fair chance to progress in their careers. We fully comply with UK equality laws and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination in the workplace.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Experience:

Tourism: 2 years (preferred)
Language:

German (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: BD Exec Ger UK