Country Manager -  United States

 Our client is an international airline that is in the process of opening a station in the New York area.  They are seeking a Country Manager to join their team and manage the overall U.S. operation.  The Country Manager will report to the Senior General Manager, with dotted line  responsibility to the General Manager-Commercial . The Country Manager will be responsible for introducing and developing the business strategies required for delivering a successful, high quality and competitive product in the United States.   

The Role 

The successful candidate will work closely with senior colleagues to establish and implement  the commercial strategy for the U.S., identifying opportunities for generating profitable revenue streams across the company network. The position includes leadership and management of suppliers and partners, such as General Sales Agents.

 Other responsibilities will include:· 

• Formulating and managing the annual business plan for the U.S. to ensure the long term success and viability of the route and business. 
• Planning and executing sales plans and marketing strategies in order to exceed revenue targets and increase market share, while also ensuring the growth and quality of customer base. ·
• Managing and maximizing profitability and productivity, overseeing all aspects of Sales, Marketing,  Ground Operations, Distribution, Finance, Customer Affairs, Pricing, and Administration.
• Developing, recommending and implementing ways of growing distribution channels and market segments for corporate, leisure and ethnic travel markets to improve the route commercial performance  
• Acting as the official representative of the company on all matters related to its business in the United States, directing the planning, implementation and day-to-day management of such matters including management of  the company’s assets.  
• Coordinating and managing a team of professionals to ensure cost efficiency and service excellence.   Securing ‘buy in’ within the organization at country and head office level, recommending systems, processes and policies to improve operations. 
• Building and maintaining high level relationships with local, and federal authorities, media, travel partners and the like to ensure maximum visibility and commercial return for the company.
• Providing weekly and monthly reports, data, research and analysis, highlighting business performance, competitive landscape and recommendations for improving commercial return.

 Competencies       

•  Leadership and decision making·      
•  Cultural awareness and experience·     
•  Analytical & Strategic thinking·     
•  Planning and organization·  Assertiveness 
•  Persuasiveness and personal influence   
•  Proactive and Results orientated·     
•  Entrepreneurial Innovation 

 Qualifications & Experience Requirements ·     

• Degree in Management (Marketing, Sales and/or Business Administration)·  
• A minimum of  10 years of relevant experience, with proven management and country/regional   responsibility for at least  5 years    
• Adaptable and flexible to work in a dynamic fast-paced environment·   
• Extensive experience, with a proven track record of success in marketing, sales achievement and management functions - Highly analytical  
• Excellent communication and presentation skills   
• Experience in the travel and/or aviation industry

  Technical Requirements ·    

•  Good knowledge of the United States      
•  MS Office applications       
•  Knowledge of the functionalities of the GDSs, CRS, CRM, Revenue Reporting, BIDT, MIDT, PROS
•  Airport operations knowledge desirable    
•  Valid US Drivers license