Travel Manager

Bird Construction•Calgary, AB

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Supply Chain Management, the Travel Manager is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and ongoing management of the company’s national travel program. This role ensures a cost-effective, efficient, and compliant travel experience for employees while maintaining alignment with corporate objectives, governance requirements, and duty of care standards. Operating within a large, publicly traded environment, the Travel Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Finance, Procurement, HR, Risk, and Executive Leadership to optimize travel spend, drive vendor performance, and enhance the employee travel experience across multiple regions. This position is primarily based in Calgary and will require travel to support the program as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field
7–10+ years of experience in corporate travel management, procurement, or a related function
Experience within a large, complex, or publicly traded organization is strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience managing global or multi-regional travel programs
Proven track record of vendor negotiation and contract management
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and analyzing spend data
Advanced negotiation and supplier management skills
Proficiency with travel and expense systems (e.g., SAP Concur, Workday, or equivalent)
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including executive-level reporting
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to influence and drive change across a complex organization
High attention to detail with strong governance and compliance focus

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a scalable, global travel strategy aligned with organizational goals and cost management targets
Establish and maintain corporate travel policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory, audit, and internal governance standards
Monitor and enforce travel policy adherence across all business units
Lead sourcing, negotiation, and management of travel-related vendors, including airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and travel management companies (TMCs)
Establish service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure vendor performance
Conduct regular business reviews to ensure quality, cost savings, and service delivery optimization
Manage the corporate travel budget and identify opportunities for cost optimization and savings
Analyze travel spend data, trends, and forecasting to support financial planning and decision-making
Prepare executive-level reporting and dashboards on travel program performance, savings, and compliance
Oversee travel booking platforms and expense management systems (e.g., Concur, Workday, or equivalent)
Drive system enhancements and integrations to improve user experience and reporting capabilities
Ensure data integrity and accuracy across travel and expense systems
Enhance the end-to-end travel experience by improving booking processes, communication, and support services
Partner with HR and Communications to provide guidance, training, and updates on travel programs
Address escalated travel issues and ensure timely resolution
Implement and maintain travel risk management protocols, including traveler tracking and emergency response procedures
Collaborate with Security and Risk teams to ensure employee safety during travel
Monitor geopolitical, health, and environmental risks that may impact travel
Partner with senior leaders, business units, and functional teams to align travel programs with operational needs
Act as the primary point of contact for all corporate travel matters internally and externally