Senior Consultant/Manager, Business Development, Skift Exec Search

About Skift

Skift is the leading business intelligence and media company in travel, providing news, research, and events that power smarter decisions across the global travel industry. We bring together our community of subscribers, members, and event attendees who rely on Skift for clarity, insights, and connection in an ever-evolving industry.

Why This Role Matters

Skift Exec Search is our executive recruitment arm dedicated to identifying and placing outstanding leadership talent across the travel ecosystem. The practice was established in early 2024, since then we have multiple successful executive placements completed (see our case study page) and have built the foundation from which we can grow.

This role will help us dive deeper into certain travel verticals and take on searches in areas that we currently don't operate We are looking for someone that can help us shape the business as we move forward, especially as the Exec search landscape evolves.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a high-performing Senior Consultant, Business Development to drive new client relationships and revenue growth for Skift Exec Search. This role is ideally suited for someone with a proven track record in travel industry recruitment, particularly in Tech and Operations hiring, who has sold and delivered retained executive search work, especially at VP level and above.

You'll be both a hunter and a builder: identifying new opportunities, shaping proposals and commercial engagements, and partnering with delivery teams to ensure exceptional client outcomes.

This role is location-flexible, with a preference for candidates based in Europe or the United States.

Some Of What You'll Do Business Development & Client Engagement

• Lead go-to-market growth for Skift Exec Search by identifying, qualifying, and winning new search mandates across the global travel industry.

• Build and maintain strong executive relationships with C-suite and senior leadership in travel, technology, and operations functions.

• Sell and manage retained executive search assignments, with a focus on VP-level and above roles.

• Lead pitch development, proposals, commercial negotiations, and deal closures.

• Join us at our industry events and wider travel industry conferences to continually engage with our clients and candidates.

Thought Leadership & Market Intelligence

• Act as a trusted advisor and industry expert on recruitment trends, talent challenges, and organizational needs within the travel ecosystem.

• Collaborate across Skift teams to leverage insights, data, and research that differentiate our executive search value proposition.

Collaboration & Delivery

• Work closely with consultants and researchers to translate business development momentum into successful, high-quality search delivery.

• Contribute to refining Skift Exec Search offerings, service frameworks, client engagement processes, and go-to-market strategies.

What You'll Bring

• A minimum of five years of experience in travel industry recruitment, with a demonstrated network and background in executive search or specialized recruitment for Tech and Operations roles preferred.

• Proven success selling and executing retained search work, especially at VP+ level roles.

• Demonstrable track record of building and managing client pipelines, closing new business, and cultivating long-term partnerships.

• Experience partnering with leadership teams and working across global, remote stakeholders.

How You Work

• Exceptional communicator - confident with senior executives and persuasive in commercial discussions.

• Strategic thinker with a blend of consultative selling skills and practical execution capability.

• Self-starter who thrives in a remote, collaborative, goal-oriented environment.

• High emotional intelligence, cultural agility, and the ability to work across diverse geographies and teams.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to grow within a respected and innovative media company.
• Exposure to the intersection of media, events, and travel intelligence.
• Collaborative, supportive, and remote-friendly work environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

How We Work

Skift is a remote-first, globally distributed company. We work asynchronously, value clear communication, and rely on strong documentation and follow-through to stay aligned across time zones.

How To Apply

If this role sounds like a great fit, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter through our application system. The cover letter is an opportunity to share why you're interested in this role and how your experience aligns with our work-we value thoughtful applications.

Skift is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of travelers around the world. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from other underrepresented communities.

Here's What You Can Expect Next

If you apply and are selected to interview, a Skift team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect.