Beyond the Trees Avondale is a state-of-the-art new visitor destination located at Avondale Forest Park, Co. Wicklow. This flagship site was opened to the public in summer 2022 and has proved extremely popular since then. Avondale was once home of Charles Stewart Parnell and is considered the birthplace of Irish forestry. The visitor offer onsite encompasses a visitor centre which includes the Seed Café (120 seats), Seed Store retail and catering unit, Ireland’s first Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower, the Coillte Pavilion (a self-guided interpretation centre), guided tours of the historic Avondale House, walled gardens, playground, walking trails and carparks.
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Junior Sales Executive, reporting directly to the Operations Manager of Beyond the Trees Avondale. The Junior Sales Executive will have responsibility for coordinating and managing the entire sales and function within the business.
About Avondale Beyond the Trees:
Our Highlights:
* Spectacular Treetop Walk & Viewing Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
* Diverse Visitor Experiences: Catered to all groups, including families, schools, corporate groups, and international visitors.
* Focus on Sustainability: Committed to sustainable tourism practices throughout the visitor experience.
* Year-Round Appeal: Open year-round, offering unique experiences in every season.
* The Parnell Guided House Tour: Discover a captivating blend of history and nature with Avondale House's 'At Home with the Parnell’s' Guided Tours.
* Innovative events: Experience the exhilarating Treetop Night Lights Walk and breathtaking views from the Viewing Towers at Christmas – an unforgettable experience for your clients.
Job Summary:
The Junior Sales Executive will play a crucial role in driving sales growth for Beyond the Trees Avondale. This role will involve generating leads, qualifying prospects, and closing sales for the many experiences and events while providing exceptional customer service. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a passion for sales and a strong work ethic.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead Generation & Qualification:
o Proactively identify and qualify potential buyers through various channels, including online research, networking, and lead generation campaigns.
o Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify new sales opportunities.
* Sales & Customer Relationship Management:
o Coordinate familiarisation trips and presentations to prospective buyers, showcasing the unique features and benefits of Beyond the Trees Avondale.
o Represent Beyond the Trees Avondale at trade shows, consumer shows and tourism industry events to network, building key relationships and ultimately secure new business.
o Build and maintain strong relationships with potential and existing clients & tour operators.
o Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally, addressing customer concerns and providing accurate information.
o Help to develop robust sales pipeline for domestic and international tour operator business, and group business opportunities from key market segments.
o Negotiate and close sales deals effectively.
o Work with the onsite operations team to develop an event programme at Beyond the Trees Avondale.
* Sales Administration:
o Maintain accurate records of all sales activities and customer interactions in the CRM system.
o Prepare sales reports, assist with marketing budgets and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
o Assist with the preparation of sales proposals and presentations.
o Coordinate with other departments, such as marketing to ensure a seamless customer experience.
o Champion sustainability initiatives on the site on an ongoing basis.
Selling Avondale House & Forest Park to Tour Operators
With the supervision of the Ops Manager, promote Avondale House & Forest Park to Tour Operators effectively:
1. Focus on the Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
* "At Home with the Parnell’s" Guided Tour: Emphasise the unique historical significance of Avondale House, highlighting the connection to Charles Stewart Parnell, a pivotal figure in Irish history.
* Immersive Experience: Position the tour as an immersive experience, bringing the past to life through engaging storytelling and insightful guides.
* Family Appeal: Emphasize the appeal of Avondale House & Forest Park for families, highlighting the Treetop Walk, the playground, and the opportunity for a picnic or outdoor activities.
* Sustainability: Showcase the park's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, appealing to eco-conscious travellers.
2. Building Relationships with Tour Operators:
* Attend Trade Shows: Actively participate in relevant tourism trade shows, such as Meitheal and Fáilte Ireland events.
* Direct Sales Calls: Conduct proactive outreach to tour operators, introducing Avondale House & Forest Park and its unique offerings.
* Familiarization Trips: Invite tour operators on complimentary site visits to experience the attractions firsthand.
* Networking: Build relationships with key decision-makers within the tourism industry.
3. Creating Value-Added Packages:
* Develop attractive packages: Combine the Avondale House tour with perhaps other local attractions, we are open to all your ideas with a fresh set of eyes.
* Offer exclusive discounts and incentives: Provide special rates and incentives for tour operators who book in advance or include Avondale House in their itineraries.
* Tailor packages to specific market segments: Create packages specifically for all the different demographics; families, history buffs, or nature enthusiasts.
Qualifications:
* Proven experience in a sales or customer service role in Visitor attraction (preferred, but not essential).
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
* Strong organizational and time management skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
* CRM system experience (e.g., Salesforce, Meridian or Retail Integration) is a plus.
* A positive and enthusiastic attitude with a strong work ethic.
* A passion for sales and a desire to succeed.
* A Marketing qualification is desirable.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills, attention to detail.
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