Travel & Expense Manager

Ferrara•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Travel & Expense Manager responsible for a best-in-class corporate travel program that balances employee experience and risk management at scale. This position provides strategic and operational leadership across global travel policies, supplier partnerships, and travel technologies, while serving as a trusted partner to P&O, Finance, & Procurement. Through strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration, this role looks to create seamless travel experience that supports business objectives and delivers value to the organization.

Requirements

Problem Solving – Ability to proactively identify and assess problems and implement appropriate solutions that demonstrate understanding of team strategies and objectives
Verbal/Written Communication – Ability to adapt to and utilize multiple communication styles to effectively communicate in a concise detailed manner
Interpersonal Skills – Ability to calmly listen, assess and clarify problems and respond with solutions
Team/Independence – Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Organizational – Ability to plan and prioritize work effectively
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field
4-6 years of experience related to travel policies, travel management, and procurement processes
Proven experience working with executive management
Having global exposure & collaborating with partners/vendors across different countries

Nice To Haves

Working at a top tier travel firm/agency is a plus
Experience with AMEX is a plus

Responsibilities

Create, update, and enforce corporate travel policies (airfare classes, hotel standards, approval processes, expense limits, etc.).
Align travel policies with HR, Finance, and Risk/Legal requirements.
Ensure travel management platform (Concur) reflects travel policy in rules and operational workflows within the system.
Negotiate contracts with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and travel management companies (TMCs).
Maintain relationships with travel vendors to secure preferred rates and perks.
Evaluate supplier performance and manage service-level agreements.
Identify savings opportunities (consolidated booking, negotiated fares, compliance enforcement).
Work with Finance/Procurement on budgeting and reporting.
Ensure employee safety during travel (tracking travelers, providing emergency support).
Partner with security/risk teams for crisis response (political unrest, natural disasters, health emergencies).
Manage compliance with local and international regulations (e.g. visa rules, tax implications).
Monitor key performance indicators (e.g. cost per trip, policy compliance, traveler satisfaction).
Prepare regular reports to senior leadership team members
Use data to recommend improvements in cost efficiency and employee experience