Business Development Manager / Sales Manager

Overview

Join Our Team at Wheels Up

At Wheels Up, we're proud to be a global leader in on-demand private aviation. As one of the largest companies in the industry and a strategic partner of Delta Air Lines – we are committed to making private air travel safe, reliable, and enjoyable. With a diverse fleet of owned aircraft plus a global network of trusted charter operators, we offer our customers access to the right aircraft for their needs and the ability to fly on their terms.

And it doesn’t stop at private flights. Wheels Up also provides freight services, safety and security solutions, and managed services to individuals, businesses, government agencies, and more. Regardless of how, when or where you want to fly, our mission is simple; deliver a premium, personalized aviation experience for every customer.

Role Overview: What You’ll Be Doing

As Business Development Manager / Sales Manager you are responsible for driving new client acquisition and overseeing the commercial and service experience for a defined book of business. You partner closely with the VP and Flight Services Managers (FSMs) to ensure customers receive seamless, premium experience while maintaining accountability for growth, retention, and overall client satisfaction.

This role serves as a key liaison for new clients and plays a strategic, client-facing role in identifying the right travel and client solutions. While FSMs manage day-to-day trip execution, sourcing, and detailed quoting for existing customers, the Director maintains visibility, steps in as needed, and ensures alignment across sales and service teams.

This is an exciting time to join our company as we embark on an ambitious journey of growth and transformation. You’ll play a vital role in shaping our future, contributing directly to our continued success in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your impact is recognised and rewarded.

We pride ourselves on having a highly knowledgeable, market-leading team who bring expertise, innovation, and collaboration to everything we do. With strong support and performance-driven rewards, you’ll be joining a business where excellence is celebrated and your career can truly thrive.

This role is hybrid based in our Gatwick office 2-3 days per week.

Aviation Industry experience is not essential for this position and we are open to sales professionals from all backgrounds including:

Real Estate

Recruitment

Business Development

B2B Sales

B2C Sales

Luxury Industry Sales 

Yacht Charter etc

Responsibilities

• Partner with VP to identify, qualify, and convert prospective clients through outreach, lead follow-up, and qualification of strong opportunities
• Lead new client acquisition by identifying the appropriate customer and travel solutions aligned to client needs and usage patterns
• Oversee a defined portfolio of client relationships with accountability for growth and retention
• Act as the primary commercial and service liaison for new clients, ensuring smooth onboarding experience and clear handoff to FSMs
• Collaborate closely with Flight Services Managers, who are responsible for trip sourcing, detailed quote preparation, pricing, aircraft options, and itineraries for existing customers
• Maintain visibility into client communications and activity, stepping in as needed to support the relationship, address concerns, or reinforce the overall experience
• Identify upselling and cross-sell opportunities and partner with VP to advance those opportunities
• Prepare and present client proposals and recommend solutions based on client travel needs
• Monitor client activity and proactively engage to drive repeat bookings, renewals, and deeper client engagement
• Support resolution of service issues and irregular operations by coordinating the team and assisting with client communication when appropriate
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver consistent, premium client experience
• Maintain accurate records and updates in the CRM to support team-based coverage and informed decision-making

Qualifications

We’re looking for a sales professional with:

• 5+ years proven experience in outbound sales, business development, or lead generation
• A natural hunter mentality – confident in cold outreach, prospecting, and opening new doors
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and develop long-term client partnerships
• Excellent communication and persuasion skills, both written and verbal
• Strong presentation skills - both virtual and in-person skills, are essential, as the role regularly engages with prospective and existing clients to articulate offerings and value.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and driven to exceed targets and earn high rewards
• Comfortable managing a full sales cycle from prospecting to closing (or eager to develop into this)
• Highly organised with strong time management and pipeline management skills
• Adaptable and coachable, with a willingness to learn quickly and continuously improve