Business Travel Senior Associate

Crowe•Chicago, IL

1d•$45,000 - $92,600•Remote

About The Position

The Business Travel Senior Associate supports the delivery and continuous improvement of the firm’s travel program. This role executes travel operations, administers policies and processes, and partners with internal stakeholders and vendors to ensure efficient, compliant, and high-quality travel experiences. Working with guidance from leadership, the Senior Associate applies independent judgment to execute day-to-day travel program activities. You will work closely with our Travel Management Company (TMC) and other partners to ensure seamless, high-quality service for our travelers. This is a dynamic role focused on execution, process improvement, and service excellence—not commercial contract management or strategic program management.

Requirements

Proactive and Self-Driven: Takes initiative, identifies challenges early, and manages priorities without needing constant direction.
Organized and Resilient: Works effectively in a fast-paced, multi-project environment with poise and structure.
Supplier Collaboration : Supports supplier relationships and contributes to value realization, helping ensure accountability - without engaging in contractual terms.
Strong Communicator: Able to influence and inform through compelling written and verbal messaging. Effectively communicates the value of a managed travel program.
Stakeholder-Focused: Builds trust and credibility by anticipating stakeholder needs and following through with operational solutions.
Global Mindset: Thrives in a diverse, international team and understands regional differences in travel requirements and service delivery.
3–5+ years of experience in corporate travel, travel operations, or a related field.
Working knowledge of domestic and international travel requirements, including documentation, customs, and currencies.
Experience with travel booking tools such as Concur, major Global Distributions Systems (GDS) and familiarity with travel data reporting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and with cross functional teams within the firm, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality results.
Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaboration tools.
Comfortable with supporting supplier performance reviews without engaging in negotiations.
Experience using AI-based tools and systems.
Must be able to travel 10%-25% of the time annually.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field including Hospitality & Tourism Management , Hospitality & Event Management , Travel, Tourism Development and Management (Meetings & Events), Hospitality Business Management, International Hospitality Management, and Global Hospitality Business.
Experience supporting expense management systems such as Workday and corporate card programs.
Experience as a travel agent or hospitality is a plus.
Familiarity with global distribution systems GDS such as Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, and Spotnana.
Exposure to vendor coordination and contract administration.
Experience supporting travel coordination for meetings and events.
Familiarity with public accounting and/or consulting environment is a plus.
GLP ( Global Leadership Professional Designation) , GTP ( Global Travel Professional Certification) , CCTE ( Certificate in Corporate Travel Execution) or similar industries.

Responsibilities

Execute and support corporate travel policies, procedures, and programs, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Serve as a primary point of contact for employee travel inquiries and provide guidance on travel requirements for domestic and international travel up to and including visas, documentation, and safety protocols.
Coordinate and support travel reservations in partnership with the firm’s TMC and internal stakeholders.
Provide VIP/C-Suite travel booking support using company booking portal.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts; communicate updates and assist with adjustments during disruptions.
Rapidly triage and resolve traveler issues, distinguishing between minor and systemic challenges.
Serve as a point of escalation for persistent operational concerns.
Maintain accurate documentation of travel policies, procedures, and knowledge resources.
Administers firm travel rewards (e.g., status upgrades, unused flights) as directed by the Assistant Director, Indirect Procurement.
Support management of travel vendors by maintaining relationships, monitoring service levels, and escalating issues as needed.
Assist in contract administration activities, including tracking terms, rates, and performance metrics.
Support governance processes through performance reporting (not contractual enforcement).
Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and enhanced traveler experience and contribute to implementation.
Deliver program communications through email, intranet, and internal channels.
Keep travelers and stakeholder groups informed of updates, changes, and best practices.
Support and coordinate the execution of new program initiatives, technology rollouts, and operational expansions.
Track implementation timelines and coordinate cross-regional alignment.