Sr. Manager - Air Purchasing & Operations

ITA Group Inc•West Des Moines, IA

15d

About The Position

The Senior Manager – Air Purchasing & Operations is responsible to oversee and lead the work and results of the Air Purchasing & Operations department. The Senior Manager provides leadership, oversight and training in the negotiations and purchasing phase through implementation and finalization of air transportation arrangements for group event travel within the Events Solution Line.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Public Relations or Communications required, or equivalent work experience
Five years experience in the group travel or events industry in a position of similar accountabilities and responsibilities, or a minimum of three-years experience in ITA Group’s Event Solution line.
Ability to maintain a positive leadership style, with professionalism, constant communication and consistency.
Solid business acumen with a positive, professional attitude, able to build strong relationships and earn the respect of colleagues and customers. Experience and ability to interact with senior managers and executives.
Ability to think and act in a proactive manner. Capable of seeing the big picture while understanding how each element contributes to the greater whole. Must be competent to project how a change or delay in one area will impact the overall project. Willingness to try new ideas and challenge status quo.
Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and give direction within a matrix organizational structure and team environment.
Ability to generate enthusiasm and dedication to support team members in order to achieve client business objectives.
Proven track record of developing and managing department budget in order to optimize departmental financial performance.
Experience in effective communication and relationship building skills, business writing and client presentations. Ability to interact with all levels of client management.
Technical prowess in order to learn new technology systems, integrations and inner connectivity amongst a number of systems. Proficiency (or being willing to become proficient in these) systems would be critical to the success of this role: Microsoft 365 tools, especially Excel PerformanceCentral FlightStats Online Booking Tool (OBT) TravelPort + PC3 Phone System & Call Trees
Ability to display a sense of urgency, ownership and accountability.
Ability to maintain social neutrality, only building positive and valuable relationships with team members, and refusing to participate in potentially negative discussions and exchanges.
Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with client contacts, suppliers, participants and team members.
Excellent organizational skills with experience in detail-oriented work.
Ability to lead a team, empower others and delegate responsibilities; desire to lead by example.
Ability to listen, understand, and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects or meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding salary and personnel issues.