Travel and Expense Manager

BLM GROUP • Novi, MI

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Travel and Expense Manager oversees and coordinates BLM GROUP USA’s employee travel programs in accordance with company policy. The role also manages the corporate fleet vehicle program, enforces expense-reporting policies, and assists with the company credit-card program. The position serves as the main point of contact for travel- and expense-related questions and supports employees and locations with domestic and international travel arrangements and documentation.

The manager coordinates travel accommodations, prepares entry documents for international trips, provides policy training, reviews policies and processes, and identifies travel technologies and best practices. The role also schedules and monitors company vehicles, reconciles travel-related invoices, and supports customer and guest visits. It provides guidance to the Expense Auditor and Travel Coordinator, and requires flexibility to work overtime when operational needs require it.

This position works primarily in an office environment and is not remote or hybrid. It requires only occasional travel for training or similar activities and reports to the Chief Financial Officer. The position has no supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience managing domestic and international travel activities, preferably in a leadership or management role.
• Ability to lead vendor negotiations and communicate effectively.
• Previous experience with SAP Concur.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding employee situations.
• In-depth knowledge of North America and Italy geography, or ability to understand distances between travel points.
• High proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Outlook.
• Strong organization, thoroughness, efficiency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to create, maintain, and manage a project plan.
• Ability to understand and meet deadlines and goals, and communicate deadlines to team members.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and with all levels of team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to listen effectively, understand and analyze problems, and manage time well.
• Driving record with no more than two minor moving violations in three years and no major violations in the last seven years.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Italian is preferred but not required.
• Experience managing travel activities in a leadership or management role is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate domestic and international employee travel, maintaining required documentation.
• Assist BLM GROUP locations with travel as needed.
• Prepare required entry documents for employees traveling internationally, such as invitation letters and visas.
• Arrange routine and complex travel, including air, car, and hotel accommodations, and communicate arrangements to employees and managers.
• Manage and enforce corporate travel and expense policies, working with employees and managers as needed.
• Train current and new employees on travel and expense policies and procedures, and serve as the main contact for related inquiries.
• Mentor and guide the Expense Auditor and Travel Coordinator as needed.
• Request reimbursement for unauthorized items charged to company credit cards.
• Be available to receive calls from employees whose travel plans have changed.
• Explore travel technologies and websites and monitor market conditions to adjust partnerships to company needs and preferences.
• Review travel-related policies and processes and recommend best practices.
• Schedule company vehicle use; track vehicle maintenance; distribute keys and required paperwork; verify insurance and safety items; and monitor returned vehicles for damage, cleanliness, fuel usage, and mileage.
• Contact customers and guests before their visits to communicate preferred amenities and help them acclimate to the area.
• Complete invoices and match and reconcile the cost of issued services to final billing.
• Work required overtime to address operational needs.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Life and disability coverage
• Other benefits included in the company benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed