Country Manager – GB at Uganda Airlines

*Number of Opening(s): One (1)

The Country Manager will be responsible for specific operational zones of the Airline network. The Country Manager will create a comprehensive sales strategy and provide leadership at a strategic and commercial level for all sales activities in the UK. He/She will ensure the generation of long-term maximum profitable revenues and customer volumes for the Airline and establish the Airline’s brand in the UK. He/She will report to the Director Commercial.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a sales strategy for the assigned area and define distribution networks.
• Benchmark Uganda Airlines products against the market and develop a universal sales plan to reach revenue targets.
• Develop and manage Sales Process improvement, analyzing different distribution channels and platforms.
• Be accountable for setting and management of metrics for appropriate control of revenue performance and strategic compliance in the sales in liaison with the other team members and the Director Commercial.
• Design the strategic direction for planning revenue performance and price positioning for current and future seasons.
• Monitor shifting market trends, propose recommendations and implement strategies for attaining revenue targets.
• Identify and evaluate new markets and sources of business that will bring additional revenue by active participation in the promotion of Uganda as a destination.
• Manage the analysis, selection and appointment of representatives/franchisees in new identified key markets, including overseeing their performance and ensuring that the targets are achieved.
• Develop plans to implement and maintain sales professionalism standards to ensure that the Uganda Airlines brand is high profile.
• Develop, manage and coordinate projects and initiatives on behalf of the Commercial department.
• Prepare and submit annual budgets to the Commercial Director to maximize the opportunities and contribute to the success of Uganda Airlines.
• Measure the performance of all relevant business decisions such as pricing, incentives, deals and offers and review the impact for any further actions required, including suggesting remedial measures if required.
• Establish and manage contacts at the highest level with clients to enhance the Airline image and facilitate the flow of information to maintain an edge over competitors.
• Monitor the effectiveness of all promotional collateral and advertising materials by ensuring maximum market exposure.
• Ensure availability of fares in markets for target customer segments.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sales, Administration, Aviation, Public Administration or related.
• At least 8-10 years at senior managerial level in a reputable airline.
• Experience in Travel/Airlines industry – preferably in commercial sales management.
• Strong background in dealing with hospitality/travel industry sales or managing corporate accounts with international clients.
• Proven record of hitting sales targets with exceptional win rates.
• Experience in the development of RFP responses, sales pitches and bid management.
• Experience in managing marketing and promotional campaigns with good bid presentation skills.
• Prior knowledge of the European aviation market
• Knowledge of Tourism markets and the key players would be an advantage.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of other international languages will be an added advantage.
• Management skills – Ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Ability to train and develop subordinate’s skills. Ability to foster teamwork among team members.