Senior Lead Sales UK & Ireland - Full-time, 40 hours per week

Company Description Founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, SunExpress acts as a tourism ambassador between Türkiye and Europe with 35 years of experience and leisure airline expertise. Operating flights on 237 routes to 92 destinations across 35 countries, SunExpress carries nearly 15 million passengers annually. Headquartered in Antalya and Frankfurt, with bases in Izmir, Ankara, and Dalaman, SunExpress employs over 4,500 people. Job Description The Role The Senior Lead Sales UK & Ireland is responsible for driving and growing SunExpress’ B2B business in the UK market. The role focuses on developing sales strategies, managing key commercial partnerships, expanding distribution channels and maximizing revenue opportunities in close collaboration with Sales, Revenue Management, Marketing and Distribution teams. The role is approximately 90% remote and field-based, including customer and partner meetings, business travel and industry events. Regular presence at the SunExpress London office is required, typically around one office day every 7–14 days, depending on business needs. Due to the regular requirement to attend the London office, candidates based in London or within a reasonable commuting distance are preferred. The role also involves regular business travel across the UK and Ireland. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute the UK B2B sales strategy in alignment with SunExpress’ commercial objectives. Manage and grow relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, OTAs, consolidators, dynamic packaging providers and niche travel partners. Lead and coordinate the UK GSA Inside Sales Team. Identify and implement new distribution opportunities, including NDC, GDS and other technology-driven sales solutions. Negotiate commercial agreements, incentive schemes and joint business plans. Coordinate marketing and sales activities with internal and external stakeholders. Monitor market developments, competitor activity and emerging industry trends. Represent SunExpress at industry events, trade fairs, workshops and partner meetings. Qualifications Your Profile University degree or relevant qualification in tourism, business, sales or a related field. Experience in the airline industry or in travel and tourism. Strong commercial and sales background, with experience in negotiations, contracting and key account management. Excellent knowledge of the UK travel market and B2B distribution landscape. Experience with airline distribution technologies such as NDC, GDS, APIs or similar solutions. Proven ability to manage stakeholders and work effectively across multiple business functions. Strong MS Office skills and digital business competency. Excellent English language skills; Turkish language skills are considered an advantage. Willingness and ability to travel regularly within the UK and Ireland. Preferred Qualities Strong commercial mindset with a results-driven approach. Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills. Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships. High degree of initiative, ownership and accountability. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Affinity for digital technologies and distribution systems. Effective organisational, prioritisation and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work independently and effectively in a predominantly remote and field-based environment. Ability to perform in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Additional Information Right to Work in the UK Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note that SunExpress is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. SunExpress is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status. SXS Country: UK