Sales Support Specialist

Job Description:

Position Summary:

As a Trade Sales Support Specialist at Abercrombie & Kent, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional service and operational support to our Travel Advisor partners and Trade Sales team.

This position combines partner support, CRM administration, data governance, and sales operations. You will serve as a key resource for resolving inquiries, maintaining accurate account information, supporting sales initiatives, and collaborating across departments to ensure efficient operations and a seamless partner experience.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Provide exceptional service and operational support to Travel Advisors and internal Sales teams, addressing inquiries related to bookings, promotions, policies, commissions, and account information.
• Assist Travel Advisors with the A&K Trade Hub, including account validation, user access, login assistance, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in CRM system, data governance standards, and Sales Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), providing guidance and training to internal team members as needed.
• Create, maintain, and update Travel Advisor and Travel Agency accounts in the CRM, including data cleanup initiatives, consortium affiliations, banking registrations, commission inquiries, and other global Sales Administration responsibilities.
• Log, audit, track, and follow up on partner requests, ensuring accuracy, compliance with established guidelines, and timely resolution.
• Investigate and resolve operational issues directly or collaborating with cross-functional departments to evaluate solutions and ensure efficient resolution.
• Provide administrative and operational support to Trade Sales members, including Travel Advisor account requests, sales activities, event logistics, vendor invoice processing among other teams initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, enhance data accuracy, and elevate the overall Travel Advisor experience.
• Apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to resolve partner concerns and operational challenges.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Director.

Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Excellent customer service skills with outstanding verbal and written communication.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, coupled with project management skills.
• Familiarity with database management and digital data collection tools (Microsoft Forms, Google Forms, Eloqua, Pardot, or similar).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, and remain professional under pressure.
• Experience with event coordination, budget tracking, and expense reconciliation.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Positive, proactive, and professional demeanor with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. when required.

Education and Additional Experience

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in business administration, Hospitality, Tourism, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of customer service, sales support, sales operations, or a related administrative role. Experience in hospitality or travel industry is a plus
• Experience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform.

Special Requirements

• Hybrid position based in A&K USA's Downer Grove, IL office, with an expectation of working onsite at least four days per week.
• Evening, weekend, and approved overtime may be required occasionally.
• Some travel may be required occasionally.

Salary Range

• $48,000 - 50,000; position is bonus eligible

Benefits

A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible, full-time employees. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee, such as group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and travel discounts through use of an IATAN Travel Professional card. Other elective benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental life insurance, pre-tax healthcare and dependent FSAs, and a 401(k) plan with generous company match.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employee.

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EEO Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.