Travel Program & Vendor Relations Lead

Job Description

The Travel Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of the firm's travel program and serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and the firm's Travel Management Company (TMC), preferred travel suppliers, and other external travel partners. Working under the direction of the Senior Manager, this role ensures the TMC and supplier network deliver against firm expectations, resolves escalated traveler issues, and supports continuous improvement of the program through data analysis, policy administration, and stakeholder engagement.

Rather than performing day-to-day booking or administrative tasks, the Travel Program Manager directs the TMC and supplier network to execute against firm expectations. Success is measured by the strength of vendor and internal relationships, traveler satisfaction and compliance, and the operational effectiveness of the program. A hybrid work arrangement is available for this position.

A career at Nixon Peabody is the opportunity to do work that matters. It's the chance to use your knowledge to shape what's ahead. To share, to innovate, to learn at a firm that taps the power of collective thinking.

We've created a dynamic, energizing environment that promotes success for our clients and each other. We offer fast growth, connectedness and training in business as well as law. And our rigorous standards assure you are part of a diverse team of top talent at every turn.

If you're someone who's looking toward the future, we'd love to hear from you.

Location: Rochester, NY;
Albany, NY;
Boston, MA;
Providence, RI;
New York City, NY;
Long Island, NY;
Washington, DC

Reporting Relationships:
This position will report to the Senior Manager, Procurement and Travel

• Serve as the firm's day-to-day relationship contact for the TMC and key travel suppliers (airlines, hotels, ground transportation, and related providers), holding partners accountable to service levels and firm expectations.
• Participate in and help lead recurring business reviews with the TMC and preferred suppliers; support the Senior Manager in translating outcomes into program improvements.
• Act as the escalation point for travel-related issues raised by attorneys, business professionals, and travel arrangers; drive issues to resolution through the TMC and supplier network.
• Represent the firm at industry briefings, supplier events, and travel program meetings as appropriate

• Monitor travel program performance, policy compliance, traveler experience, and supplier performance; identify trends and coordinate corrective action through the TMC.
• Analyze firm travel data and industry trends to identify cost-savings opportunities, policy refinements, and program enhancements; present findings and recommendations to the Senior Manager.
• Oversee the day-to-day configuration and optimization of the firm's online booking tool, directing the TMC on maintenance, enhancements, and user-experience improvements.
• Partner with Finance to ensure travel transaction data flows correctly for client billing and firm reporting; serve as the point of contact for data-integrity and reconciliation issues.

• Administer the firm's travel policy: monitor compliance, recommend updates to the Senior Manager, and interpret policy for stakeholders.
• Develop communications, guidance, and training resources for firm travelers and travel arrangers; coordinate with the TMC to deliver booking-tool training and onboarding.
• Serve as a subject matter resource on travel program questions, including duty of care and traveler safety in coordination with the TMC.