Explore is an adventure travel expert focused on sustainable, small group holidays which create stories to tell for a lifetime. From classic group tours and family adventures, to walking, wildlife and cycling trips. With around 100 countries to choose from, our customers explore the world with us. Join us on our journey, creating extraordinary travel experiences for all.

At the heart of all of this, is a passion to travel responsibly. We aim to always be welcomed back, for communities and cultures to benefit, and wildlife to flourish. In a complicated world that's full of potential, we strive to be better than yesterday.

We put people at the heart of everything we do and are proud of the extensive benefits we offer.

This role is based in Farnborough, Hampshire with 2 days per week in the office. Our office is within walking distance of the train station and has free parking. This is a full-time position, however work life balance is important to us and so we are open to discussion on flexible working patterns (minimum 4 days per week).

Salary: £52,000 + bonus 

About the role:

The Head of Sales is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving revenue growth, leading the sales team and shaping the commercial direction of Explore Worldwide. You will oversee all sales channels – including phone, online, OTA and live chat – and ensure the team is motivated, engaged and aligned with company goals. This role is central to delivering an exceptional customer journey from enquiry to booking and to fostering a high-performing culture.  

• Revenue growth is at the forefront of every decision.
• Build the sales philosophy and play to win.
• Lead and mentor the sales team (both in the office and remotely).
• Performance oversight, analysis and strategy based on key metrics. E.g. conversion and sales targets.
• Training and development of the team.
• Foster a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Early adoption of new technology and innovation in systems and processes.

The Head of Sales will manage the team in close collaboration with the Head of Customer Experience. Some team functions will be interchangeable, especially during peak booking and travel periods so mobilising and motivating the team to support the post-sale customer journey is essential.

Am I the right person?  We are looking for your application to demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience in Sales, ideally within travel. 
• Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience of CRM systems and call centre platforms.
• Experience with reservations or booking systems.
• Experience of managing hybrid or remote teams.
• Knowledge of global holiday destinations, and of small group adventure travel is desirable.

We aim to be better than yesterday and our values will be close to your heart.

Diversity is to be celebrated. Life would be dreary, and change would be slow, if we all thought the same way. We challenge our ideas, each other, and our business partners - always with respect and kindness.

Explore is part of Hotelplan Group, a well-established and diverse family of specialist tour operators, with a long tradition of developing and operating market-leading experiences. The family comprises ski, walking and Lapland holidays with Inghams and Santa’s Lapland; adventure travel with Explore; and self-guided holidays with Inntravel. Sustainability and responsible tourism is at the core of everything we do, and should be a passion for everyone employed by the group.