Global Travel and Expense Manager

Overview

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global travel policies that align with corporate financial objectives and employee welfare standards.
• Negotiate contracts with airlines, hotel chains, and car rental agencies to secure competitive corporate rates and amenities.
• Oversee the performance and service levels of external travel management companies and digital booking platforms.
• Analyze monthly expense data to identify cost-saving opportunities and monitor compliance with internal reimbursement rules.
• Manage the configuration and maintenance of automated expense reporting systems to ensure seamless financial data flow.
• Establish emergency response protocols and tracking systems to ensure employee safety during international travel disruptions.
• Partner with internal accounting departments to streamline the reconciliation of corporate credit card programs and travel invoices.

Qualifications

• A bachelor degree in business administration, finance, or a related field is essential for this role.
• Significant experience in corporate travel management or procurement within a multinational corporate environment is required.
• Proficiency in managing integrated expense management software such as SAP Concur or Workday Expenses is mandatory.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and vendor relationship management is necessary for fiscal success.
• Advanced analytical skills are required to interpret complex travel data sets and generate actionable financial reports.

Nice to have

• Professional certification such as the Global Travel Professional (GTP) designation is highly regarded.
• Experience managing travel programs across multiple regions including EMEA, APAC, and the Americas is beneficial.
• Knowledge of sustainable travel initiatives and carbon offset reporting is increasingly sought after by large employers.

Work environment

• The role is typically based in a corporate office setting with hybrid flexibility common in the current market.
• Standard business hours are the norm, though responsiveness may be required during global travel emergencies or major system migrations.
• Occasional international travel is required to conduct site visits or attend industry conferences and vendor reviews.
• The work is highly collaborative, involving regular interaction with finance, HR, and procurement departments.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages usually include a performance-based bonus tied to cost-savings and policy compliance targets.
• Career progression typically leads to Director of Procurement, Head of Corporate Services, or Global Operations roles.
• Professional development is supported through membership in organizations such as the Global Business Travel Association.
• The role offers exposure to senior leadership through the presentation of strategic travel spend and savings initiatives.