Reports to: General Manager & Company Director
Job Type: Full-time office based in Eyre Square in Galway
About Overland Tours
Overland Tours is an award winning, family-owned tour operator specialising in premium small group, private and self-drive travel across Ireland. Following the successful launch of Portugal, we are expanding into Scotland in 2027, with ambitious plans to continue growing into new destinations and international markets.
Since 2014, we have built our reputation on authentic local experiences, exceptional customer service and strong industry partnerships. We are now looking for a commercially driven and entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to help shape the next phase of our journey.
The Opportunity
This is a leadership role focused on one objective: growing the business.
Working closely with the General Manager and Company Director, you will identify new markets, develop new destinations, build strategic partnerships and create new revenue opportunities across Ireland and internationally.
You will lead our growth strategy by expanding into new geographic markets, strengthening our travel trade network, developing innovative tourism products and embracing new technologies that keep Overland Tours at the forefront of the tourism industry.
If you enjoy identifying opportunities, building relationships and turning ambitious ideas into successful businesses, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
1. International Business Development
Lead Overland Tours expansion into new international markets and destinations by:
- Identifying new source markets and destination opportunities.
- Conducting market research, competitor analysis and feasibility studies.
- Developing market entry strategies and commercial business cases.
- Building partnerships with overseas tourism organisations, local operators and strategic partners.
- Supporting the successful launch of new destinations, products and brands.
- Identifying international funding and grant opportunities that support business growth.
2. Domestic Business Development
Drive continued growth within Ireland by:
- Identifying new commercial opportunities and market segments.
- Developing products that increase shoulder season and year round business.
- Expanding our portfolio of premium small group, private and self-drive experiences.
- Building strategic partnerships with hotels, restaurants, attractions and activity providers.
- Negotiating commercial agreements that improve profitability and enhance the guest experience.
3. Commercial Partnerships & Travel Trade
Grow Overland's global trade network by:
- Developing relationships with travel advisors, host agencies, consortia, tour operators and wholesalers.
- Managing key commercial partnerships and identifying new business opportunities.
- Representing Overland at domestic and international trade shows and industry events.
- Delivering trade presentations, webinars and product training.
- Working with tourism organisations and strategic partners to increase market awareness and sales.
4. Product Development & Marketing
Work with the operations team and external marketing partners to:
- Develop new tours, destinations and tourism experiences.
- Launch new products and support branding initiatives.
- Support website launches and new product go-lives.
- Develop partner marketing campaigns, sales initiatives and promotional activity.
- Oversee the development of brochures, sales collateral, trade presentations and other marketing materials.
- Coordinate e-newsletters and oversee the company's social media activity to support brand awareness and business growth.
- Monitor market trends and customer feedback to ensure our products remain innovative and commercially successful.
5. Innovation, AI & Business Improvement
Help future proof the business by:
- Researching and implementing new technologies, including AI, to improve productivity, customer experience and commercial performance.
- Supporting CRM optimisation, automation and reporting.
- Improving commercial processes through data analysis and business insights.
- Identifying opportunities that strengthen Overland's digital presence and AI discoverability.
6. Strategic Projects
Support the long-term success of the business by:
- Identifying funding and grant opportunities.
- Contributing to annual business planning and strategic projects.
- Monitoring industry trends and competitor activity.
- Presenting recommendations that support sustainable growth.
- Mentor and support team members, sharing knowledge and developing commercial skills across the business.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role will be measured through:
- Growth in domestic and international revenue.
- Expansion into new markets and destinations.
- New strategic partnerships secured.
- Growth in travel trade sales.
- Successful product launches.
- Increased shoulder season business.
- Improved commercial performance and profitability.
- Delivery of strategic growth initiatives.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' experience in business development, commercial leadership or strategic partnerships.
- Proven track record of delivering business growth and developing new markets.
- Experience within the travel, tourism or hospitality industry is a must.
- Strong commercial negotiation, networking and relationship management skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation and project management abilities.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Experience working with sales, marketing and commercial teams.
- Willingness to travel both nationally and internationally.
Desirable
- Degree in Business, Tourism, Marketing or a related discipline.
- Previous experience working for a tour operator, DMC or similar travel business.
- Experience working with travel advisors, consortia and international trade partners.
- Experience with AI, CRM systems and process automation.
- Knowledge of grant funding programmes.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
- Commercially driven and entrepreneurial.
- Passionate about travel and tourism.
- Strategic, innovative and curious.
- An excellent communicator and relationship builder.
- Results focused and highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast paced environment.
- A collaborative leader who enjoys mentoring others and developing high performing teams.
Why Join Overland Tours?
This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the future growth of one of Ireland's most respected small group tour operators.
You will have the opportunity to influence the direction of the business, develop new markets, launch new destinations and build partnerships that will shape the next chapter of Overland Tours success.
Benefits
- Competitive salary DOE
- Performance bonus
- Professional development opportunities
- International travel opportunities
- Career progression within a growing international tourism business
Schedule: Monday to Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support trade shows, industry events and business travel.
Application question(s):
- What are your salary expectations for this role?
- When would you be available to start?
- Please outline your relevant experience, including your business development achievements and experience within the travel and tourism industry. This role requires a minimum of five years' relevant experience.
Work Location: In person
