Director Procurement Operations, Travel, Meetings & Events

Manulife Financial; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Director of Travel Operations in Toronto. This role involves overseeing travel programs, managing vendor contracts, and leading a dynamic team to enhance travel efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in corporate travel management and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate travel operations management.
• Strong leadership skills managing diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage vendor contracts and relationships with travel vendors.
• Lead a team responsible for meetings and events operations.
• Identify operational efficiencies and design processes for new programs.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Business Degree

Tools

Cvent

Job description

As the Director of Travel Operations, you will oversee the day-to-day management of the Travel Program, Travel Management Company relationship and contract, and travel vendor contracts, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness across North America and the UK. You will lead a dynamic team, including the Manager of Meetings & Events Operations, Manager of Expense Operations, and a Business Analyst, to optimize our travel, expense, and meetings operations.

This role is critical in ensuring our travel operations are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with company goals, enhancing the overall travel experience for our employees and stakeholders. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for optimizing travel operations, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Vendor Management:

• Manage the relationship and contract for the Travel Management Company.
• Oversee contracts and relationships with travel vendors, including airlines, hotels, ground transportation, rail, and re-shopping services.
• Ensure optimal contract performance and service levels to maximize value from preferred vendors.
• Attend strategic vendor meetings to identify issues, analyze data, and explore savings and efficiency opportunities.

Team Leadership:

• Manage, coach, and lead a team responsible for meetings and events operations, expense operations, and data analysis.

Traveler Support:

• Provide guidance and education to travelers on booking tools, travel policies, and expense management.
• Organize quarterly traveler support sessions to address questions, share best practices, and update on travel topics.
• Maintain communication through Viva Engage, Support Mailbox, and Teams channels, offering updates on industry trends and issues.
• Serve as a point of contact for travelers seeking assistance or clarification on travel matters.

Process Improvement:

• Identify operational efficiencies and design processes for new programs.
• Work with Managers of Meetings & Events and Expense Operations to analyze data and produce management reports.
• Partner with operations and sourcing groups to evaluate and propose new vendors or contract renewals.

Financial Oversight:

• Manage billing with travel vendors for accuracy and timely payments.
• Ensure all charged deliverables are received and actioned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate travel operations management and vendor contract management.
• Strong leadership skills managing diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical skills for data analysis and insights.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Strong Assets:

• Business degree.
• Project Management & Data analytics experience.
• Knowledge of meetings & events industry and technology, including Cvent.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements related to third-party outsourcing.
• Understanding of procurement and vendor management principles.
• Experience with supplier contractual terms to mitigate risks.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider. To learn more, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Manulife/John Hancock embraces diversity and is committed to fair recruitment, retention, and advancement practices without discrimination based on protected grounds. We support applicants requesting reasonable accommodations during the application process. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.