Business Development Manager

About Overland Tours

Overland Tours is an award-winning, family-run tour operator specializing in premium small group, private, and self-drive travel experiences across Ireland. Since 2014, the company has established itself through authentic local experiences, exceptional customer service, and strong industry alliances. Following a successful expansion to Portugal, Overland Tours plans to extend to Scotland in 2027 and continue growing into new destinations and international markets.

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager is a key leadership position dedicated to driving the company’s growth. Reporting to the General Manager and Company Director, you will spearhead international and domestic market expansion, forge strategic partnerships, and create new revenue streams that will shape the future trajectory of Overland Tours.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Overland Tours' international expansion by identifying new source markets, conducting in-depth market research, developing entry strategies, and forging partnerships with overseas tourism organizations and local operators.
• Drive domestic growth by discovering new opportunities and market segments within Ireland, enhancing portfolio offerings especially for shoulder-season and year-round tourism, and building relationships with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and activity partners.
• Expand Overland’s global travel trade network by cultivating relationships with travel advisors, host agencies, consortia, and wholesalers, managing key commercial partnerships, representing the company at trade shows and industry events, and providing trade presentations and product training.
• Collaborate with operations and external marketing teams to develop and launch new tours and destinations, support branding initiatives, coordinate marketing campaigns and sales promotions, and oversee creation of marketing collateral and digital content to ensure innovative and successful product offerings.
• Improve business performance by researching and adopting new technologies including AI, optimizing CRM systems and automation, enhancing commercial processes through data insights, and reinforcing Overland’s digital presence and AI-assisted discoverability.
• Contribute to strategic projects by identifying funding and grant opportunities, participating in business planning, monitoring industry trends, making growth recommendations, and mentoring team members to develop commercial skills.

Success Metrics

• Growth in both domestic and international revenue
• Successful expansion into new markets and destinations
• Securing new strategic partnerships
• Increase in travel trade sales
• Successful launch of new products and destinations
• Growth in shoulder season business
• Enhanced commercial performance and profitability
• Achievement of strategic growth objectives

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in business development, commercial leadership, or strategic partnerships
• Proven success in driving business growth and entering new markets
• Experience in the travel, tourism, or hospitality sector is essential
• Strong skills in commercial negotiation, relationship management, and networking
• Excellent communication, presentation, and project management capabilities
• Strategic thinker with analytical and problem-solving expertise
• Collaboration experience with sales, marketing, and commercial teams
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Business, Tourism, Marketing or related field
• Previous work with a tour operator, destination management company, or similar travel business
• Experience collaborating with travel advisors, consortia, and international trade partners
• Familiarity with AI, CRM systems, and automation tools
• Knowledge of grant funding programs

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial and commercially driven mindset
• Passion for travel and tourism industry
• Strategic, curious, and innovative approach
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
• Results-oriented with great organizational attention to detail
• Adaptable and comfortable with a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative leadership style with enthusiasm for mentoring and developing teams

Why Join Overland Tours?

This role offers the exceptional chance to influence the future growth of a respected Irish small group tour operator. You will have substantial input into business direction, market expansion, destination launches, and partnership development that will define Overland’s next chapter.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Performance-based bonus
• Opportunities for professional growth
• International travel prospects
• Career advancement within a growing global tourism company

Work Schedule

The position is based in the office at Eyre Square, Galway, with a Monday to Friday schedule. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate trade shows, industry events, and business travel.