Trip Development Manager

Trip Development Manager
The Iconic Travel Group – Steamboat Springs, CO
Location: Steamboat Springs or Remote

About The Role

Iconic Adventures is seeking experienced Trip Development Managers to design, develop, and deliver high-quality travel experiences for our nonprofit, corporate/affinity, and FIT/luxury clients. The Trip Development Manager is responsible for the full trip development lifecycle, from initial concept, costing, and itinerary design through handoff to on-the-ground execution. Working closely with Client Engagement Directors and the Field Operations team, you will transform client goals into thoughtful, logistically sound itineraries that meet Iconic’s standards for guest experience, risk mitigation, and profitability.

You will be expected to bring deep, hands-on experience in trip design, group travel logistics, group block contracting, and budget management, and to operate with a high degree of ownership and autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

Trip Design, Development, and Proposal Creation

• Own the full lifecycle of trip development for assigned programs across Iconic’s portfolio, ensuring consistency, innovation, and quality in trip design.
• Collaborate with Client Engagement Directors to understand scope, client objectives, constraints, and budget, then translate these into clear, compelling trip concepts and itineraries.
• Demonstrate expert client relationship management and professionalism in all client communications.
• Conduct destination and activity research; identify, evaluate, and vet vendors (hotels, DMCs, transport, activities) to ensure quality, reliability, and alignment with brand standards.
• Build detailed itineraries, including timing, flows, contingency plans, and guest experience touchpoints, ensuring all logistics are clearly documented and communicated.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to refine proposals so trips are both creatively designed and operationally feasible.

Financial and Vendor Management

• Build and maintain accurate trip budgets by managing costs and ensuring alignment with pricing strategy and margin targets.
• Lead group block contracting for hotels, DMCs, and transport partners, including terms, deliverables, and payment schedules.
• Support accurate invoicing, payables, and reconciliation for trip-related financials in partnership with the finance team.
• Negotiate with vendors to optimize value, protect trip quality, and support trip design objectives.

Planning, Execution Support, and Continuous Improvement

• Identify potential risks in trip design and planning (logistical, financial, or experiential) and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with Field Operations and Client Engagement teams to ensure trip plans and guest experience standards are clearly communicated and understood.
• Collaborate with the Trip Development & Operations Coordinator to collect, organize, and share required passenger information with vendors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Use technology and internal tools to improve trip development workflows, streamline planning processes, and enhance the client and traveler experience.
• Participate in post-trip debriefs and prepare trip performance summaries to inform continuous improvement of itineraries and operations.

What You Will Bring To The Table

Required Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive experience in the travel industry, with a primary focus on trip development, product design, and/or operations for group, adventure, education, donor/impact, or luxury travel.
• Demonstrated experience turning client objectives into structured programs, trips, or experiences. Preference for client relationship management experience.
• Proven, hands-on experience with the following:
  • Trip costing and budget management
  • Group block contracting (hotels, DMCs, transport)
  • Vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Applications that do not clearly demonstrate this experience will not be considered.

Preferred qualifications and attributes

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant field (hospitality, tourism, communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related discipline).
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, with a warm, professional communication style and a passion for travel and experience design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and highly developed negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to work well with cross-functional team members and manage critical deadlines across multiple projects.
• Ability to establish trust, inspire confidence, and collaborate effectively with clients, operators, guides, and co-workers.
• Comfortable working effectively in both an office environment and remotely.
• Experience leading trip-related initiatives focused on setting and achieving defined goals and objectives in a complex organization.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Compensation

Compensation commensurate with experience. 2026 starting salary range: $60,000-$80,000. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Details regarding employment classification, schedule, and benefits eligibility will be confirmed in the offer stage in alignment with Iconic’s policies and applicable regulations. All offers will be contingent on clear background check.

Benefits

• Health and dental coverage.
  
• Unlimited PTO.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• FAM opportunities.
• An annual discretionary allowance to support your working environment.
• An annual company retreat to reset and connect with colleagues.
• Optional use of our Steamboat Springs, Colorado office.

Hiring Process and What to Expect

• We are hiring immediately and reviewing applications as they arrive. The window closes Friday, November 6, 2026, and may close sooner. Early applicants have the advantage.
• Due to the volume of interest, we are not able to respond to every application, but we read each one.
• Candidates are encouraged to highlight itineraries they personally designed and developed, trip budgets and travel programs they owned, and client relationships they grew.
• Be prepared to provide up to 3 professional references. We will not contact any reference without notifying you first.

Background Check Disclosure 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a job-related background check conducted in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable state and local law.

Candidates will receive any required disclosures and authorization forms before a background check is conducted. Background information will be considered on an individualized basis and only to the extent permitted by law.

Equal Opportunity 

The Iconic Adventures LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.