Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professsional Organizations
Timeline
Generic

Jill Langley

Oxnard,CA

Summary

Accomplished in elevating luxury and contemporary travel experiences, I was part of spearheading initiatives at MSC Cruises USA and Carnival Cruise Lines, driving significant revenue growth and market expansion. Expert in contract negotiation and customer service, my strategic planning and exceptional communication skills have consistently enhanced business development and client satisfaction. Leveraging in-depth market knowledge, I excel in fast-paced environments, demonstrating leadership and a results-driven approach.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager, Business Development - CA/HI

MSC Cruises USA
Oxnard, CA
08.2023 - Current
  • Proven track record of successfully selling contemporary and high-end travel experiences, demonstrating a deep understanding of all sectors of the travel market.
  • Engaging with our Travel Agency and Travel Advisor partners with marketing and co-op opportunities
  • Developing and executing strategic plans to identify new business opportunities, expand market share, and increase FIT and Groups revenue within the luxury travel sector.
  • In-depth knowledge of cruise offerings, including ship features, itineraries, and onboard experiences, enables effective promotion and sales.
  • Staying informed about industry trends, competitor offerings, and customer preferences to adapt strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Strong negotiation skills in securing favorable partnerships, collaborations, and exclusive deals with travel partners and other luxury travel providers.
  • Organizing and hosting exclusive events, such as Familiarization Trips (FAMS) and Seminars at Sea or travel showcases, to foster client relationships and attract new business.
  • Leading and mentoring a team of travel advisors, providing guidance on travel sales techniques, product knowledge, and customer service excellence.
  • Utilizing data analysis to track sales performance, measure the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, and provide regular reports to the management team.
  • Confidently presenting travel offerings and business proposals to clients, stakeholders, and at industry events, showcasing a compelling and persuasive communication style.
  • Designing and implementing comprehensive marketing plans to promote cruise packages, utilizing digital marketing, social media, and traditional channels to reach target audiences effectively.
  • Excelling in interpersonal communication, fostering positive relationships with clients, team members, and industry stakeholders.
  • Strong negotiation skills in securing favorable partnerships, collaborations, and exclusive deals with travel partners, including key accounts.

Manager, Business Development

Carnival Cruise Lines
Los Angeles, CA
11/01/21 - 08.2023
  • Design and implement strategies for territory management and business development guidance to ensure long term relationships are consistent and continue to grow
  • Educate Travel Advisors on features and benefits of Carnival Cruise Line products and provide sales and marketing assistance
  • Identify and develop any incremental sales opportunities to secure charter/incentive programs and facilitate accordingly
  • Maintain accurate and detailed agency database through Oracle CRM, complete requested/required reporting of activities and tracking of budgeted tools
  • Maintain frequent contact with RVP/VP North America to ensre territory needs are met and opportunities addressed
  • Lead seminars and FAMSs, participate in trade shows and agency/consortia events etc. as needed

Lead Concierge

Ritz Carlton, Bacara
Santa Barbara, CA
10.2020 - 03.2023
  • Model and hold others accountable for promoting the Gold Standards, respect and fair treatment as established by ongoing Forbes Luxury training.
  • Contacted previous and potential guests through email with information on events and happenings to build strong clientele base.
  • Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
  • Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
  • Built brand loyalty and and accomplished customer satisfaction by working well with other department team members.
  • Worked closely with guests such as celebrities or VIPs and always showed extreme professionalism and respect for personal privacy.
  • Contacted previous visitors and potential guests through emailed newsletters with information on events and happenings to build strong clientele base.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.

Supplier Relations Director

Archer Travel Service
La Crescenta, CA
08.2011 - 07.2020
  • Negotiated contracts, closed agreements, and supported the agent and management team with the highest level of commissions and overrides.
  • Prepared quotes for potential clients, upselling special packages and maintaining high levels of accuracy.
  • Assisted with maximizing sales to over $100 million by establishing long-term partnerships across 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and the UK.
  • Opened Archer Travel Australia in 2019.
  • Assisted with managing, mentoring, and educating a team of 7,000 Travel Advisors in person, virtual, and live training throughout the USA and Australia.
  • Leveraged market knowledge and leadership ability to help drive profit increases.
  • Generated reports to assess performance and make adjustments.
  • Interacted with prospects and customers at various events, including trade shows, seminars, and workshops.
  • Spearheaded training initiatives to improve employee performance and bottom-line business results.
  • Monitored supplier operations to verify quality, delivery schedule, and conformance to contract specifications.
  • Coordinated vendors, timelines, and budgets for events.
  • Organized annual convention, and national trainings.
  • Designed contracts, collected fees, and booked venues for events.
  • Agency Groups Manager and Office Manager, prior to Supplier Relations Director.
  • Sustained operational efficiencies, coordinating domestic and international customer travel accommodations while managing airfare, hotel bookings, and rental car reservations.

Education

CTIE - CTIE

The Travel Institute
Framingham, MA

MCC - MCC

CLIA
Washington, DC

German/Journalism

Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA

Skills

  • Excellent organizational, management, and communication skills, including public speaking
  • Experience in retail consumer marketing and broad-based travel agency accounts and distribution systems
  • Corporate/leisure/groups travel management
  • Planning, prioritizing, budgeting, and forecasting skills
  • Issue and conflict resolution
  • Worldwide traveler, and adaptable to international customs
  • Contract negotiation and management
  • Event/Trade Show coordination and co-op allocation
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Exceptional business acumen, with broad knowledge of the cruise, travel market, and competitive trends
  • Impeccable customer service
  • Effective time management skills, with the ability to work independently and as a team player
  • Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Strong product knowledge, excellent problem resolution, along with negotiation and presentation skills
  • Luxury, contemporary travel sales, FIT, group, corporate
  • Client service and satisfaction-driven
  • Longtime travel industry veteran with experience on the agency and supplier side
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Strategic planning
  • Negotiation
  • Relationship building

Professsional Organizations

Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA So, Cal)

Travel Industry Executive Womens Network (TIEWN) Board of Directors

American Society of Travel Advisors - Individual Member

CLIA - Member

PROST, Beach Cities - Member

PROST, Desert Cites - Member

PROST, San Diego - Member

PROST, Los Angeles - Member and Director of Social Media

Timeline

Manager, Business Development - CA/HI

MSC Cruises USA
08.2023 - Current

Lead Concierge

Ritz Carlton, Bacara
10.2020 - 03.2023

Supplier Relations Director

Archer Travel Service
08.2011 - 07.2020

Manager, Business Development

Carnival Cruise Lines
11/01/21 - 08.2023

CTIE - CTIE

The Travel Institute

German/Journalism

Los Angeles Pierce College

MCC - MCC

CLIA
Jill Langley