Americas Regional Travel Manager - job 2 of 2

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Visa Global Sourcing 
Global Sourcing is part of the Finance organization and manages Visa’s end-to-end sourcing and sourcing of goods and services. Travel services is part of Global Sourcing.

Sourcing is responsible for partnering with business owners relevant to assigned categories such as Travel and Meetings & Events (M&E) plus others to lead all strategic sourcing activities globally to ensure optimal selection of suppliers that deliver best value in price and quality, while minimizing risk to Visa.

 Overview:

This role will lead our Travel operations for Americas’ travel for Visa employees, candidate and customers, relocation etc. The ideal candidate is someone that has a deep domain expertise in travel and who is strong in developing strong internal cross functional relationships and vendor relationships externally. This person will lead projects with Americas regional focus for our travel services. In addition, this person will need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment and embrace the culture and how it applies to Travel services. This role will report into the Director of Global Travel Operations.

Essential Functions:

This mid-level role within Visa’s Global Sourcing organization  involves building relationships with  key regional internal stakeholders across all levels of the organization  -  including executives, executive admins, and internal organizations such as Visa Mobility, Controllership, HR and Security. The Americas Regional Travel Manager will be responsible for working with the Visa-designated travel agency and on-line booking tool providers. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

 Strategic Partnerships

Trusted advisor to all travelers by providing informed and insightful recommendations which provide the absolute best traveler experience in each situation while adhering to Visa’s travel policies.

Provide support to travelers and regional stakeholders to demonstrate improved savings and traveler experience by increased adoption of online booking and other policies

Partner and nurture the relationship with our designated travel agency vendor. This includes devising workflows and seeking operational excellence to suit the travel needs of stakeholders.

Partner with global sourcing partner for global air, hotel and ground transportation providers and add local and regional nuances and input in order to better support the region.

Apply subject matter expertise to suggest regional and global ideas for policy and process improvements with stakeholders like security, controllership etc.

Socialize travel updates and announcements on internal platforms and promote program benefits to various groups such as EAs

Partner closely with EU/CEMEA & APAC travel managers to ensure alignment on global process with regional and local nuances to the programs

Work closely with the regional and country stakeholders to ensure consistency in the travel experience, while considering the need for local requirements

Projects And Operational

Perform root cause analysis when problems arise to develop permanent corrective actions.

Administer & respond in a timely manner to inquiries via travel services mailbox, AskTravel etc

Manage the unused ticket report, supplier credits and another supplier incentives to maximize value and minimize expirations.

Develop a deep understanding and become a subject matter expert for our travel tools and have an understanding of expense tooling in relation to travel to support the travel program

Stay informed about industry trends and benchmarked best practices to drive innovation and improvement in travel management.

Monitor and ensure compliance with travel policy and procedures

Ensure timely and accurate travel booking and travel agency communications

Assist with office openings and or M&A onboarding - develop a workflow that can quickly and effectively support the new travelers (profiles, forms of payments, etc.) as well as the new travel pattern it creates.

Support travel requirements of the Visa Aviation (corporate jet) team

Qualities We’re Looking For

Excellent written and verbal communication - including ability to communicate across all stakeholders effectively

Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Outstanding interpersonal skills.

Ability to analyze data and generate actionable insights.

Ability to work both independently but as part of a larger global team to set objectives and drive results

Proficiency in multi-tasking and prioritizing with excellent time management

Collaborate effectively as a part of a global team

High level of self-motivation and initiative, and ability to operate as a team player.

Ability to be committed, resourceful and proactive in identifying problems, opportunities and solution.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications:
5 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:
6 or more years of work experience with a Bachelors Degree or 4 or more years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or up to 3 years of relevant experience with a PhD
5+ years' regional experience managing corporate travel programs and systems.
Functional knowledge of travel foundations such as GDS, NDC, OBT, and TMC functionality.
Experience developing and supporting relationships with travel partners including TMCs, airlines, hotels and rental car providers etc. 
Knowledge of regional travel regulations and compliance requirements.
Proven track record of stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration – including understanding their requirement to help them achieve their goals
Strong background in implementing solutions and change management
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Hospitality Management, Travel Management, or a related field.
Deep expertise of travel management company processes, including travel management software and tools.
Experience utilizing data analytics to drive program improvements and demonstrate business value to stakeholders.
Passion to deliver outstanding customer service, forge lasting relationships, and approach goals with team interests in mind.
Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships and influence key vendor account executives.
Willingness to offer thought leadership, to think positively, and to offer new ways of approaching old problems.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 103,000.00 to 149,450.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.