Manager Travel Program

Location: Chesterfield, Missouri, United States Requisition Number: 44337 Job Title: Travel Program Manager (TPM) – Corporate Travel A Day In The Life We are seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and results‑oriented leader to optimize our corporate travel program, ensuring efficient, cost‑effective, and safe travel arrangements for all employees while driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence. Responsibilities Lead end‑to‑end travel management, applying deep knowledge of the dynamic business travel landscape. Collaborate with client leadership and internal/external consulting partners (e.g., AMEX GBT Consulting) to deliver travel program excellence. Develop, implement, and continuously optimize corporate travel policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal guidelines and external regulations. Create a robust travel program roadmap, including strategic initiatives for continuous improvement. Provide clear direction and challenge stakeholders in building, executing, and evolving the travel program and related T&E system interactions. Lead and manage strategic relationships with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and other travel vendors. Negotiate favorable contracts and preferred rates, overseeing contractual performance to achieve significant cost savings and enhanced service levels. Manage supplier support, escalations, and rate loading activities. Oversee the entire travel budget, monitor expenses, analyze spend data, and identify opportunities for cost‑saving measures without compromising traveler experience or safety. Track and report on KPIs such as online adoption, compliance, overall savings, and duty of care. Analyze data from tools like Egencia dashboards to generate relevant reports and inform decisions with stakeholders, including C‑suite executives. Oversee daily travel operations: planning accommodations, booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Improve traveler satisfaction and user experience, focusing on employee care, compliance, and engagement. Provide expert guidance on expense policies, systems, and safety protocols. Define and create process maps and standard operating procedures related to the managed travel program. Ensure strict adherence to travel policies, promptly addressing non‑compliance. Prepare comprehensive travel budget reports and analyze travel trends for senior management. Report on travel industry trends and updates, educating stakeholders on regulatory and market dynamics. Leverage and optimize travel management software and tools to streamline booking processes and enhance traveler experience. Provide leadership and best‑practice guidance on improving travel processes, systems, and technologies. Support implementation of new tools and processes, administering configuration of OBTs and other travel technologies. Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for travel and expense policies to foster transparency and adherence. Organize and lead internal meetings and training sessions to encourage best practices and policy compliance. Prepare and present reports on the travel program strategy, goals, progress, and KPIs to stakeholders at various levels within the organization. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in corporate travel management. Expertise in creating, optimizing, and monitoring sophisticated global corporate travel policies and programs. Proven track record of strategic vendor negotiation, contract administration, and supplier relationship management, generating significant cost savings. Proficiency with industry travel tools and systems (e.g., Concur, Egencia, Amadeus, Sabre, GetThere). Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, generate actionable reports, and present insights to senior leaders and C‑suite executives. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, handling travel disruptions and risk management. Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement in the travel program. Certifications such as CCTE or GTP are highly advantageous. Benefits Health Benefits – Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) – Automatic 5% company contribution with matching up to 4% of contributions. Family Support – 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave and fertility coverage. Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $5,000 per year for eligible tuition expenses. Time Off – Generous PTO based on years of service: 0–9 years: 25 days, 10–19 years: 30 days, 20+ years: 35 days. #J-18808-Ljbffr SupportFinity™