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VP, Travel Advisor Marketing

Kensington
Full-time
On-site
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: VP, Travel Advisor Marketing

πŸ”Ή Company: Kensington Tours

πŸ”Ή Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Travel Arrangements

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-06-27

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and leading B2B marketing strategy aligned with sales goals
  • Building and executing tailored campaigns, sales tools, and presentations to support Outside Sales
  • Designing and launching a differentiated loyalty program to recognize, reward, and retain high-performing travel advisors
  • Planning and executing strategic B2B events, including trade shows, advisor appreciation trips, co-branded activations, and hosted panels

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and results-driven leader with a strong background in B2B marketing, particularly in the travel industry and luxury segment. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting large field sales teams, developing loyalty programs, and executing high-end B2B events.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Developing and leading a B2B marketing strategy aligned with sales goals, market trends, and brand priorities

βœ… Building and executing tailored campaigns, sales tools, and presentations to support Outside Sales in driving conversion and advisor acquisition

βœ… Collaborating closely with Sales leadership to align goals, identify needs, and track impact

βœ… Designing and launching a differentiated loyalty program that recognizes, rewards, and retains high-performing travel advisors and attracts new advisors, funded by coop initiatives

βœ… Creating lifecycle marketing journeys and CRM strategies to deepen engagement and repeat business from advisors

βœ… Leading the planning and execution of strategic B2B events, including trade shows, advisor appreciation trips, co-branded activations, and hosted panels

βœ… Overseeing all aspects of event marketing β€” pre-event promotion, on-site experience, and post-event conversion

βœ… Cultivating key partnerships within the luxury travel community and industry associations to elevate brand presence

βœ… Building, managing, and inspiring a high-performing B2B marketing team

βœ… Fostering cross-functional collaboration with Brand, Digital, CRM, Product, and Sales

βœ… Reporting on KPIs and delivering ongoing insight into campaign performance, advisor engagement, and sales enablement effectiveness

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are based on the provided job description. However, some details may have been simplified or combined for better readability and formatting.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field; Master’s degree preferred

Experience: Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in B2B marketing, with at least 5 in a senior leadership role

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in the travel industry, with deep understanding of the luxury segment and travel advisor landscape
  • Demonstrated success in supporting large field sales teams, developing loyalty programs, and executing high-end B2B events
  • Strategic thinking with strong analytical acumen and a bias for action
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with CRM software and marketing automation tools
  • Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience with CRM software and marketing automation tools would be beneficial for this role. Additionally, fluency in additional languages could be an asset when working with a diverse travel advisor base.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a VP-level role in the travel industry with 10+ years of experience, the estimated salary range is CAD 150,000 - CAD 200,000 per year.

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with company match
  • Employee assistance program
  • Generous vacation and time-off policies
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event and project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits listed are based on typical benefits packages for similar roles in the travel industry.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Kensington Tours operates in the travel arrangements industry, focusing on luxury travel experiences. They specialize in delivering personalized travel experiences with local private guides for clients worldwide.

Company Size: Kensington Tours has 501-1,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company. This size allows for a more intimate work environment while still offering opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Kensington Tours was founded in 1993, with over 25 years of experience in the luxury travel industry.

Company Description:

  • Kensington Tours offers personalized, luxury travel experiences for clients worldwide
  • The company specializes in private guided tours, cruises, villas, yachts, jets, and air travel
  • Kensington Tours is committed to providing exceptional customer service and unique travel experiences

Company Specialties:

  • Luxury travel experiences
  • Private guided tours
  • Customized itineraries
  • Expert local guides

Company Website: http://www.kensingtontours.com

ASSUMPTION: Kensington Tours is a well-established company in the luxury travel industry, with a strong reputation for delivering personalized and high-quality travel experiences. Their mid-sized company structure offers a balance between a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional growth.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the SVP, Marketing. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience in B2B marketing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Reporting Structure: The VP, Travel Advisor Marketing will report directly to the SVP, Marketing and work closely with the SVP, Sales and the Outside Sales team.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a typical workweek of Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, flexibility is required for event planning and execution, as well as occasional travel.

Growth Opportunities:

  • As a senior leadership role, this position offers opportunities for career advancement within the marketing department or the broader organization
  • The successful candidate will have the chance to shape a new revenue-driving function and gain visibility at the highest levels of the organization
  • Kensington Tours provides opportunities for professional development and growth, including training and mentorship programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to shape a new function and gain visibility at the highest levels of the organization. Additionally, Kensington Tours provides opportunities for professional development and growth within the marketing department and the broader organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Kensington Tours has a modern, professional office environment with collaborative workspaces and meeting rooms.

Office Location(s): Kensington Tours has offices in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Wilmington, Delaware, USA. The VP, Travel Advisor Marketing role is based in the Toronto office.

Geographic Context:

  • The Toronto office is located in the downtown core, offering easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and cultural attractions
  • Toronto is a multicultural city with a diverse range of neighborhoods and communities
  • The city experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: The typical workweek is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event planning and execution, as well as occasional travel.

ASSUMPTION: The Toronto office offers a modern, professional work environment with collaborative spaces and easy access to amenities. The city's diverse culture and four distinct seasons provide a unique living experience for employees.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission through the provided link
  • Phone or video screen with the HR department
  • In-depth behavioral and situational interview with the SVP, Marketing
  • Final interview with the SVP, Sales and other key stakeholders
  • Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Leadership and team management abilities
  • Expertise in B2B marketing, loyalty programs, and event planning
  • Industry knowledge and understanding of the luxury travel segment
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Kensington Tours' values and mission

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the travel industry and luxury segment in your application materials
  • Prepare examples of your past successes in B2B marketing, loyalty program development, and event planning
  • Research Kensington Tours' company culture and values to show your fit for the organization

ATS Keywords: B2B marketing, loyalty programs, event planning, travel industry, luxury segment, strategic thinking, leadership, team management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and industry-specific skills. Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and demonstrate their understanding of the travel industry and luxury segment.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
  • Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
  • Event planning and management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed above are commonly used in B2B marketing, event planning, and project management roles. The specific tools used by Kensington Tours may vary, but the list provided offers a good starting point for applicants to familiarize themselves with relevant software.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Exceptional customer service
  • Personalized and unique travel experiences
  • Expert local guides and destination knowledge
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Continuous learning and improvement

Work Style:

  • Fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment
  • Strategic and results-driven approach
  • Collaborative and team-oriented culture
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment?
  • Are you comfortable operating in a role with a high degree of autonomy and strategic decision-making?
  • Do you have a proven track record of success in B2B marketing, loyalty program development, and event planning?
  • Are you passionate about the travel industry and the luxury segment?
  • Do you enjoy working in a collaborative and team-oriented culture?

ASSUMPTION: Kensington Tours values exceptional customer service, personalized travel experiences, and expert local guides. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and have a proven track record of success in B2B marketing, loyalty program development, and event planning. Additionally, the candidate should be passionate about the travel industry and the luxury segment and enjoy working in a collaborative and team-oriented culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a team remotely or across multiple time zones
  • Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, including Sales, Marketing, and Product teams
  • Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in B2B marketing, loyalty programs, and event planning
  • Meeting or exceeding ambitious sales targets and KPIs
  • Navigating a fast-paced, entrepreneurial work environment with a high degree of autonomy and strategic decision-making

ASSUMPTION: While the VP, Travel Advisor Marketing role offers numerous opportunities for growth and success, it also presents several challenges. These include managing a team remotely or across multiple time zones, balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, keeping up with industry trends, meeting ambitious sales targets, and navigating a fast-paced, entrepreneurial work environment with a high degree of autonomy and strategic decision-making.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike other marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on the B2B channel and travel advisor engagement
  • While the role requires a strong background in B2B marketing, it also demands a deep understanding of the travel industry and luxury segment
  • This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a new revenue-driving function and gain visibility at the highest levels of the organization

ASSUMPTION: The VP, Travel Advisor Marketing role is unique in its focus on the B2B channel and travel advisor engagement. While it requires a strong background in B2B marketing, it also demands a deep understanding of the travel industry and luxury segment. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a new revenue-driving function and gain visibility at the highest levels of the organization.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a targeted B2B campaign to drive advisor acquisition and conversion in a specific geographic region
  • Designing and launching a pilot loyalty program to recognize, reward, and retain high-performing travel advisors in a key market
  • Planning and executing a strategic event, such as a luxury travel trade show or advisor appreciation trip, to elevate brand presence and drive advisor engagement

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are based on the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. These projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of the role, as well as the opportunity to drive meaningful impact on the business.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the current B2B marketing strategy and how this role fits into its evolution?
  • How does the Outside Sales team currently support travel advisors, and how can this role enhance that support?
  • What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I contribute to their successful execution?
  • How does Kensington Tours measure the success of its B2B marketing initiatives, and how can I help improve those metrics?
  • What opportunities exist for professional development and growth within the marketing department and the broader organization?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions listed above are designed to help applicants better understand the role, the company's priorities, and the opportunities for professional growth. By asking these questions, applicants can demonstrate their interest in the role and their commitment to driving meaningful impact on the business.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on B2B marketing, loyalty program development, and event planning
  • Prepare examples of your past successes in these areas to demonstrate your qualifications during the interview process
  • Research Kensington Tours' company culture and values to show your fit for the organization
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.