Travel Category Manager

Chili's • Coppell, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Travel Category Manager Coppell, TX What does it mean to be a BrinkerHead? whether you’re supporting our restaurants, celebrating wins with your team, or sparking ideas that keep Guests coming back. We play like a team, take pride in our culture, and know that life’s too short not to work happy. At Brinker’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC), every role fuels the success of our brands — Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy® — and directly impacts Team Members and Guests. From bold ideas to everyday support, we help create a fun atmosphere, great food and drinks, and the kind of hospitality that keeps everyone coming back. Here, you’ll discover opportunities for career growth, belonging, wellbeing, and plenty of chances to work hard and have fun. Brinker International is an equal opportunity employer. We’re proud to provide a welcoming, respectful environment where everyone can thrive. Job Summary The Travel Manager will lead Brinker’s mainly domestic travel program, ensuring smooth, cost-effective, and policy-compliant travel experiences for our team members. This role is key to supporting our restaurants and corporate operations by managing vendor relationships, lead strategic supplier identification, vet and negotiate agreements with the goal of optimizing travel options, and delivering exceptional service. A focus on continuous improvement and simplification is required.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years in Procurement with a focus on corporate travel management, preferably within an operating company; hospitality/restaurant procurement experience preferred
• Corporate Travel Category procurement experience a must
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of domestic travel logistics, vendor management and corporate travel procurement; Proficiency in travel booking systems and expense management tools.
• Excellent negotiation, communication (verbal and written), and organizational skills; proven ability to manage RFPs and contract negotiations; experience presenting complex ideas to diverse audiences
• Ability to influence and build strong relationships with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams; experience translating business strategies into actionable objectives; thrive in a fast-paced, people first culture with a focus on delivering results.

Responsibilities

• Own the Travel Program: Re-vamp and maintain Brinker’s travel program to align with hospitality standards and company culture.
• Set strategic direction for managed categories and suppliers to deliver value, both financially and operationally.
• Develop, review and manage contracts, agreements, statements of work, etc. with best-in-class suppliers.
• Support key events by overseeing group travel for leadership meetings, training programs and other high visibility meetings.
• Create touchpoints with internal and external teams such as quarterly business reviews and listening sessions.
• Review/analyze various agreement documents to ensure Legal and Risk Management support.
• Manage and deliver on project timelines to meet stakeholder initiatives/expectations.
• Develop world-class partnerships with suppliers and serve as the direct point of contact.
• Collaborate with cross functional departments within a multi-tiered corporate environment to support and serve.
• Stay informed on key industry and market information.
• Lead multiple individual and team projects with various deadlines, ensuring accurate and timely deliverables.

Benefits

• Flexibility that fits your life: Hybrid schedules with weekly flex days to work from home.
• Benefits that support you: Competitive package with medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; 401(k) with company match; Employee Assistance Program with counseling, financial, legal, and life resources; and Best You EDU, offering education programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Enjoy our brands: Generous dining discounts at Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®.
• Rewards for your impact: Annual bonus eligibility for every RSC Team Member.
• Wellbeing at work: On-site gym and fitness classes like yoga and boot camp.
• A culture worth celebrating: From company-wide events to a casual, collaborative atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect, work hard, and play hard.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees