Regional Manager, UK & Ireland

Finnair is a diverse community of professionals who work ambitiously with a big heart and commitment. A strong safety culture is our priority and at the core of our everyday work, never taking it for granted. We are committed to doing our share in solving the climate challenge by determinedly following our science-based pathway to decarbonise our operations. We find meaning in our purpose:
With our heart in Finland, we make every journey better, today and tomorrow. Our values – Always Safe, Customer at Heart and Stronger Together– guide us in everything we do.

In this role, you will ensure Finnair’s strong presence in your designated markets by developing indirect sales with key indirect partners, including major global and regional travel agencies and corporate accounts. You will work closely with local cooperation partners to strengthen Finnair’s position and strengthen B2B joint business practices and dealing. As Finnair’s representative and spokesperson, you will play a key role in promoting our brand, driving NDC transformation in your designated markets, and contributing to the development of initiatives that shape the direction of B2B sales as part of overall Finnair revenue.

Finnair’s headquarters are located in Vantaa, Finland; however, this position is based in the United Kingdom. The role is primarily remote, but it will require frequent travel.

• Ensure Finnair presence in the dedicated markets among key stakeholders in the industry, targeting at maximizing awareness of Finnair with the resources available.
• Ensure B2B strategy develops at pace and in-line with overall Finnair strategy and direction.
• Drive and develop the performance of relevant managed accounts.
• Develop and strengthen cooperation with travel agencies and corporate clients in the region by leading sales and marketing efforts, supporting NDC adoption, and ensuring Finnair’s products are easily accessible through customers’ preferred purchasing channels.
• Actively identify and create new business opportunities with strategic customers at local, regional, and global levels.
• Ensure alignment with Joint Business developments by incorporating Finnair strategy into JB commercial models and ensuring JB B2B actions are embedded in Finnair sales plans and execution.
• Drive indirect sales and the adoption of modern channels, while simultaneously giving insights into Direct Sales strategy.
• Provide valuable market insights to be utilised in strategic decision making across the organisation.
• Act as a spokesperson within markets of responsibility, communicating on a wide range of topics.
• Attend and participate in selected events (either as a participant or a speaker), if seen that it brings added value.

• Bachelor’s degree from a commercial field or equivalent.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in account management and creating new sales opportunities.
• Proven track record in successful account management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster a positive team environment and build trust with customers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders such as Revenue Management, Marketing, Network Planning, Distribution etc.
• Good conflict resolution and negotiation skills to manage difficult customer interactions diplomatically.
• Result-driven, sales-oriented attitude.
• Analytical way of thinking, ability to use data to drive decisions and improve processes.
• Good change adaptability and ability to pivot strategies quickly.
• Strong communication skills; clear, concise, and persuasive in both written and verbal formats.
• Solid airline industry and principles understanding as well as ability to understand travel industry stakeholder needs and ambitions.
• Travel industry experience and existing contacts in the markets is highly appreciated.

The employee must have all the legal rights to reside and work in United Kingdom.

We offer you an exciting opportunity to work in the fast-changing aviation and international travel industry in a culture that drives and enables professional development and continuous improvement. You will…