Manager, Global Travel Procurement

Northern Trust • Chicago, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for managing the corporation’s business travel activities and ensuring the cost effectiveness of the programs. Works with outside travel-related companies, such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, commercial card, travel management company, etc. Manages the corporation’s participation in various travel loyalty programs. Acts as a technical resource; trains new employees or those with lesser experience, reviews work of others, and provides regular feedback and coaching to employees. Manages all contracts and vendor relationships to ensure SLAs are met and to ensure adherence to vendor management auditing requirements. Administers corporate travel policy and the corporate card program to ensure global consistency, collaborates with travel management company in administration of the online booking tool. Organizes the work of the team, assigns tasks, sets short-term priorities, monitors activities, and ensures timely and accurate completion of the work. Conducts performance management and career development processes, and staffing and disciplinary actions. Provides input and support to budget management process. As subject matter expert, provides comprehensive, in-depth consulting and leadership to team and partners at a high technical level. Carries out activities that are large in scope, cross-functional and technically difficult. Role is balanced between high level operational execution and development, and execution of strategic direction of business function activities.

Requirements

• Leadership and organizational skills to develop goals and manage/motivate team members.
• Knowledge of travel management/industry obtained through previous experience or formal education.
• Customer service, written and verbal communication skills.
• Negotiation skills for cost-effective contracting of travel vendors.
• Analytical skills to review travel metrics and make recommendations.
• Technical skills/systems knowledge (e.g., Microsoft Office/basic computer skills).
• A College or University degree and/or some relevant travel management/travel industry work experience in a corporate environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the corporation’s business travel activities and ensure cost effectiveness.
• Work with outside travel-related companies (airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, commercial card, travel management company, etc.).
• Manage the corporation’s participation in various travel loyalty programs.
• Act as a technical resource, train new employees, review work, and provide feedback and coaching.
• Manage all contracts and vendor relationships to ensure SLAs are met and adhere to vendor management auditing requirements.
• Administer corporate travel policy and the corporate card program for global consistency.
• Collaborate with travel management company in administration of the online booking tool.
• Organize team work, assign tasks, set priorities, monitor activities, and ensure timely completion.
• Conduct performance management, career development, staffing, and disciplinary actions.
• Provide input and support to the budget management process.
• Provide comprehensive, in-depth consulting and leadership as a subject matter expert.
• Carry out activities that are large in scope, cross-functional, and technically difficult.
• Balance high-level operational execution and development with strategic direction of business function activities.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits (401k and pension)
• Health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability)
• Paid time off
• Parental and caregiver leave
• Life & accident insurance
• Other voluntary and well-being benefits
• Discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager