Manager Travel Program

Location: Chesterfield, Missouri, United States

Requisition Number: 44337

Job Title: Travel Program Manager (TPM) – Corporate Travel

We are seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and results‑oriented leader to optimize our corporate travel program, ensuring efficient, cost‑effective, and safe travel arrangements for all employees while driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

• Lead end‑to‑end travel management, applying deep knowledge of the dynamic business travel landscape.
• Collaborate with client leadership and internal/external consulting partners (e.g., AMEX GBT Consulting) to deliver travel program excellence.
• Develop, implement, and continuously optimize corporate travel policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal guidelines and external regulations.
• Create a robust travel program roadmap, including strategic initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Provide clear direction and challenge stakeholders in building, executing, and evolving the travel program and related T&E system interactions.
• Lead and manage strategic relationships with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and other travel vendors.
• Negotiate favorable contracts and preferred rates, overseeing contractual performance to achieve significant cost savings and enhanced service levels.
• Manage supplier support, escalations, and rate loading activities.
• Oversee the entire travel budget, monitor expenses, analyze spend data, and identify opportunities for cost‑saving measures without compromising traveler experience or safety.
• Track and report on KPIs such as online adoption, compliance, overall savings, and duty of care.
• Analyze data from tools like Egencia dashboards to generate relevant reports and inform decisions with stakeholders, including C‑suite executives.
• Oversee daily travel operations: planning accommodations, booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
• Improve traveler satisfaction and user experience, focusing on employee care, compliance, and engagement.
• Provide expert guidance on expense policies, systems, and safety protocols.
• Define and create process maps and standard operating procedures related to the managed travel program.
• Ensure strict adherence to travel policies, promptly addressing non‑compliance.
• Prepare comprehensive travel budget reports and analyze travel trends for senior management.
• Report on travel industry trends and updates, educating stakeholders on regulatory and market dynamics.
• Leverage and optimize travel management software and tools to streamline booking processes and enhance traveler experience.
• Provide leadership and best‑practice guidance on improving travel processes, systems, and technologies.
• Support implementation of new tools and processes, administering configuration of OBTs and other travel technologies.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for travel and expense policies to foster transparency and adherence.
• Organize and lead internal meetings and training sessions to encourage best practices and policy compliance.
• Prepare and present reports on the travel program strategy, goals, progress, and KPIs to stakeholders at various levels within the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in corporate travel management.
• Expertise in creating, optimizing, and monitoring sophisticated global corporate travel policies and programs.
• Proven track record of strategic vendor negotiation, contract administration, and supplier relationship management, generating significant cost savings.
• Proficiency with industry travel tools and systems (e.g., Concur, Egencia, Amadeus, Sabre, Get There).
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, generate actionable reports, and present insights to senior leaders and C‑suite executives.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, handling travel disruptions and risk management.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement in the travel program.
• Certifications such as CCTE or GTP are highly advantageous.

• Health Benefits – Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) – Automatic 5% company contribution with matching up to 4% of contributions.
• Family Support – 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave and fertility coverage.
• Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $5,000 per year for eligible tuition expenses.
• Time Off – Generous PTO based on years of service: 0–9 years: 25 days, 10–19 years: 30 days, 20+ years: 35 days.