Director Procurement Operations, Travel, Meetings & Events

Manulife; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Director of Procurement Operations to oversee travel operations across North America and the UK. This role involves managing vendor relationships, leading diverse teams, and ensuring efficient travel processes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in corporate travel operations, strong leadership, and analytical skills. Join us to enhance the travel experience for employees and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate travel operations management.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships and contracts with travel vendors.
• Lead teams responsible for meetings & events and expense operations.
• Analyze data for management reports and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Business Degree

Tools

Cvent

Job description

Director Procurement Operations, Travel, Meetings & Events

Join to apply for the Director Procurement Operations, Travel, Meetings & Events role at Manulife.

As the Director of Travel Operations, you will oversee the daily management of the Travel Program, including relationships with the Travel Management Company and other travel vendors, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness across North America and the UK. You will lead a team comprising the Manager of Meetings & Events Operations, Manager of Expense Operations, and a Business Analyst to optimize travel, expense, and meetings operations.

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

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Management: Manage relationships and contracts with the Travel Management Company and other vendors, including airlines, hotels, ground transportation, and rail services. Ensure optimal contract performance and service levels, attend strategic vendor meetings, analyze data, and explore savings opportunities.
2. Team Leadership: Manage, coach, and lead teams responsible for meetings & events, expense operations, and data analysis.
3. Traveler Support: Provide guidance and education to travelers on booking tools, policies, and expenses. Conduct quarterly support sessions, communicate via Viva Engage, Support Mailbox, and Teams channels, and serve as a point of contact for travel assistance.
4. Process Improvement: Collaborate to identify operational efficiencies, design processes for new programs, analyze data for management reports, and partner with sourcing groups for vendor evaluations and contract renewals.
5. Financial Oversight: Oversee billing processes to ensure accurate and timely payments, and verify deliverables received and billed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate travel operations management and vendor contract management.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze data and produce 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 expertise.
• Knowledge of meetings & events industry and technology, including Cvent.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements related to third-party outsourcing.
• Understanding 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. Learn more at our story.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We embrace diversity and strive for an inclusive environment. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, and advancement practices without discrimination. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].