Sr. Operations & Travel Services Specialist

Illumina•San Diego, CA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients. Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible. The Corporate Travel Specialist is responsible for managing complex domestic and international travel arrangements for senior executives and other VIP travelers. This role requires expertise in using global distribution systems (GDS; e.g., Sabre, etc.) and other travel technologies to ensure seamless travel experiences, compliance with international regulations, and exceptional customer service. Scope of Responsibilities Create and manage multi-segment, multi-destination itineraries (air, car, hotel, rail, and limousine) for VIP travelers and their arrangers within a Corporate Travel Department (CTD). Utilize GDS (e.g., Sabre) and related technologies to accurately document and maintain passenger name records (PNRs). Monitor and communicate critical travel information, including visa/passport requirements, government alerts, medical advisories, and destination-specific details (time zones, currency, customs, and cultural considerations). Reconfirm all PNR elements with suppliers to ensure accuracy and adherence to service standards. Request upgrades for air, hotel, and car rentals based on preferred status and supplier agreements. Proactively monitor itineraries, anticipate potential issues, and resolve disruptions while maintaining clear communication with travelers and arrangers. Provide after-hours support as needed to assist travelers during emergencies or schedule changes. Coordinate visa and passport processing through approved service providers to ensure compliance with international regulations. Stay current on domestic and international airline rules, industry regulations, and travel trends, applying this knowledge to all bookings. Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external travel partners, including the company’s travel management company (TMC). Promptly escalate significant issues to the CTD Manager and accept responsibility for VIP bookings outside normal business hours when required. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the travel program. Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 6+ years of related experience in corporate travel management or a similar role.
Proficiency in using global distribution systems (GDS), preferably Sabre.
Strong knowledge of domestic and international travel regulations, visa/passport requirements, and industry standards.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex itineraries and provide exceptional service to VIP travelers.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and provide after-hours support when necessary.

Responsibilities

Create and manage multi-segment, multi-destination itineraries (air, car, hotel, rail, and limousine) for VIP travelers and their arrangers within a Corporate Travel Department (CTD).
Utilize GDS (e.g., Sabre) and related technologies to accurately document and maintain passenger name records (PNRs).
Monitor and communicate critical travel information, including visa/passport requirements, government alerts, medical advisories, and destination-specific details (time zones, currency, customs, and cultural considerations).
Reconfirm all PNR elements with suppliers to ensure accuracy and adherence to service standards.
Request upgrades for air, hotel, and car rentals based on preferred status and supplier agreements.
Proactively monitor itineraries, anticipate potential issues, and resolve disruptions while maintaining clear communication with travelers and arrangers.
Provide after-hours support as needed to assist travelers during emergencies or schedule changes.
Coordinate visa and passport processing through approved service providers to ensure compliance with international regulations.
Stay current on domestic and international airline rules, industry regulations, and travel trends, applying this knowledge to all bookings.
Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external travel partners, including the company’s travel management company (TMC).
Promptly escalate significant issues to the CTD Manager and accept responsibility for VIP bookings outside normal business hours when required.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the travel program.

Benefits

all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package
We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

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