Travel Program Manager

Job Description: The Travel Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of the firm's travel program and serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and the firm's Travel Management Company (TMC), preferred travel suppliers, and other external travel partners. Working under the direction of the Senior Manager, this role ensures the TMC and supplier network deliver against firm expectations, resolves escalated traveler issues, and supports continuous improvement of the program through data analysis, policy administration, and stakeholder engagement. Job Description: The Travel Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of the firm's travel program and serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and the firm's Travel Management Company (TMC), preferred travel suppliers, and other external travel partners. Working under the direction of the Senior Manager, this role ensures the TMC and supplier network deliver against firm expectations, resolves escalated traveler issues, and supports continuous improvement of the program through data analysis, policy administration, and stakeholder engagement. Rather than performing day-to-day booking or administrative tasks, the Travel Program Manager directs the TMC and supplier network to execute against firm expectations. Success is measured by the strength of vendor and internal relationships, traveler satisfaction and compliance, and the operational effectiveness of the program. A hybrid work arrangement is available for this position. A career at Nixon Peabody is the opportunity to do work that matters. It’s the chance to use your knowledge to shape what’s ahead. To share, to innovate, to learn at a firm that taps the power of collective thinking. We’ve created a dynamic, energizing environment that promotes success for our clients and each other. We offer fast growth, connectedness and training in business as well as law. And our rigorous standards assure you are part of a diverse team of top talent at every turn. If you’re someone who’s looking toward the future, we’d love to hear from you. Location: Rochester, NY; Albany, NY; Boston, MA; Providence, RI; New York City, NY; Long Island, NY; Washington, DC Reporting Relationships: This position will report to the Senior Manager, Procurement and Travel Essential Job Responsibilities: Serve as the firm's day-to-day relationship contact for the TMC and key travel suppliers (airlines, hotels, ground transportation, and related providers), holding partners accountable to service levels and firm expectations. Participate in and help lead recurring business reviews with the TMC and preferred suppliers; support the Senior Manager in translating outcomes into program improvements. Act as the escalation point for travel-related issues raised by attorneys, business professionals, and travel arrangers; drive issues to resolution through the TMC and supplier network. Represent the firm at industry briefings, supplier events, and travel program meetings as appropriate Monitor travel program performance, policy compliance, traveler experience, and supplier performance; identify trends and coordinate corrective action through the TMC. Analyze firm travel data and industry trends to identify cost‑savings opportunities, policy refinements, and program enhancements; present findings and recommendations to the Senior Manager. Oversee the day-to-day configuration and optimization of the firm's online booking tool, directing the TMC on maintenance, enhancements, and user‑experience improvements. Partner with Finance to ensure travel transaction data flows correctly for client billing and firm reporting; serve as the point of contact for data‑integrity and reconciliation issues. Administer the firm's travel policy: monitor compliance, recommend updates to the Senior Manager, and interpret policy for stakeholders. Develop communications, guidance, and training resources for firm travelers and travel arrangers; coordinate with the TMC to deliver booking‑tool training and onboarding. Serve as a subject‑matter resource on travel program questions, including duty of care and traveler safety in coordination with the TMC. Provide oversight and coordination for group travel and firm events, directing the TMC and suppliers to execute logistics and ensuring firm requirements are met. Support the establishment and management of agreements for lodging, ground transportation, and related services in support of firm events and meetings. Support negotiations with travel suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service commitments; partner with the Senior Manager, Procurement, and Legal on contract execution. Provide input on the firm's preferred supplier program, recommending additions, changes, or consolidations based on spend, traveler needs, and market conditions. Document program standards, procedures, and vendor playbooks to support continuity, succession, and consistent execution. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required. Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Finance, or a related field preferred. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 4+ years of corporate travel program or related experience, ideally in a professional services or similarly complex environment. Experience working closely with a Travel Management Company and preferred supplier programs. Experience supporting supplier negotiations and administering corporate travel policy. Experience analyzing travel spend and program data. Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) certification or similar (e.g., GTP, GLP) a plus. Strong relationship‑management and stakeholder‑communication skills, with the ability to hold vendors accountable and navigate internal partnerships across all levels of the firm. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and negotiation skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate data into recommendations. Sound judgment and the ability to distinguish between issues to resolve directly, elevate, or delegate to the TMC/supplier. Working knowledge of the corporate travel ecosystem, including TMC operations, online booking tools, and supplier dynamics. Proactive, solutions‑oriented approach with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced professional services environment. Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Aff- ... Nixon Peabody is committed to creating a fair workplace and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Initiative and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E‑Verify. All newly‑hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E‑Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information. Rochester, NY/Albany, NY/Providence, RI: $81,000 to $120,450 Boston, MA/Washington, DC: $89,000 to $132,000 New York City, NY/Long Island, NY: $98,000 to $145,750 In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above‑listed salary range(s) are Nixon Peabody’s good faith estimate of the annual salary(ies) it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr