My client is a leading multinational provider of IT products and services including Software, Hardware, Networking and business solutions.

They are looking to recruit a Global Travel Category manager to perform a strategic programme of work around the Travel Category including payment solutions, credit cards and travel policy which is a first for my client as an organisation.

The category has a spend c.£300m and the organisation has in excess of 150,000 employees globally.

ROLE:

• Drive both the daily operations and the global strategy for the Travel program, both of which should be consistent with company culture, policies, and travel spend parameters
• Manage supplier relationships for travel partners, including negotiating and managing contracts with travel suppliers/partners, RFPs. partner management, etc.
• Use strong communication, presentation and influencing skills to identify issues, negotiate proposed solutions, present to key stakeholders and implement solutions across the company
• Implement compliance management processes to measure travel policy compliance and recommend actions accordingly
• Implement high quality Travel Management Company solution(s) starting with Europe
• Implement automated booking and expense management solutions
• Investigate and implement best practice payment solutions including lodge cards and walk in cards
• Define and deliver KPIs and reporting processes: track and analyze travel program progress and create relevant reporting and dashboards for actionable decision-making by executives
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency balancing customer-first mindset and cost effectiveness and fairness
• Leverage peer and industry best practices and benchmarks to make recommendations for continuous program improvement and offerings. Remain current with relevant industry changes and trends
• Partner regularly with customers to understand travel needs of all types of travellers and ensure the program balances effectively between customer experience and compliance
• Work with marketing and event management to maximize savings opportunities for flights, hotels and catering for major company events
• Develop and deliver innovative, interactive training for travellers

EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of global travel management experience required
• Experience of dealing with senior stakeholders across all regions
• Excellent communication skills; proven ability to effectively communicate to senior level personnel both written or verbally
• Certified Travel Expert (CTE) or similar education preferred
• Membership with relevant Business Travel Association preferred
• Knowledge of Online Booking Tools required
• Ability to work independently and drive change is necessary
• Knowledge of payment solutions and expense management solutions required
• Team oriented and interpersonal skills (ability to collaborate cross-functionally).
• Bachelor's Degree