Senior Event Travel Specialist

reed & mackay; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed & Mackay, a global leader in travel and events, seeks a Senior Event Travel Specialist to manage UK and global travel logistics for groups of 10-1,000+ passengers. You will own smaller projects end-to-end, while supporting Managers on larger programmes, acting as the main client contact, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure smooth delivery.

Ideal candidates have strong operational, client service, and project management skills, with GDS experience (Sabre/Amadeus) and knowledge of group

Qualifications

• Proven travel industry experience in event, group or project travel management.
• Experience managing multiple client accounts and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high levels of client satisfaction and service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage smaller event travel projects from brief through to final reconciliation.
• Support Event Travel Managers on larger, more complex programs.
• Act as primary point of contact for assigned clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Create and manage group and individual travel reservations with accurate documentation.
• Negotiate fares, rates and terms with airline and ground transport suppliers.
• Research travel options and provide cost-effective solutions aligned to client objectives and budgets.
• Deliver exceptional client service while meeting service levels and milestones.
• Lead client calls and meetings, providing proactive updates and recommendations.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and operational requirements for successful delivery.
• Monitor project budgets, track costs, and ensure timely reconciliation and invoicing.
• Identify risks and contribute to contingency planning to minimise disruption.
• Collaborate with Client Success Managers to support client retention and growth.
• Contribute to departmental revenue and profitability through effective project management and supplier negotiations.
• Mentor Event Travel Specialists and new team members.

Skills

Travel industry

Client management

Communication

GDS experience

Airline fares knowledge

Event travel

Project management

Risk management

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Tools

Sabre

Amadeus

Cvent

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

At Reed & & Mackay, we are more than a global leader in travel and event management; we are a team united by passion, care, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a unique brand within the Navan Group, we provide deep sector expertise and customised programmes from offices across the globe.
With over 60 years of innovation in service, our success is built on delivering flexibility, reassurance, and insight to our clients. Our built-for-service technology and high-touch expertise removes the hassle from travel and event management, connecting businesses globally while keeping their people productive and safe and their costs down.
Looking for the next opportunity? Join our dynamic, inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape the future of global travel and events.

Purpose of the role

Due to the continued growth of our business, a full-time position has become available for a highly competent and experienced Senior Event Travel Specialist to work within the Event Travel division. The Event Travel division supports both the Events and Business Travel Departments, managing UK and global travel logistics for groups of 10-1,000+ passengers.

This role is suited to an experienced event travel professional with strong operational, client service and project management capabilities. The successful candidate will take ownership of a portfolio of smaller event travel projects from enquiry through to final reconciliation, whilst supporting Event Travel Managers on larger, more complex programmes. They will act as a subject matter expert within the team, providing guidance, support and mentoring to colleagues while consistently delivering exceptional client service and commercial value.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage smaller event travel projects from initial brief through to final reconciliation.
• Support Event Travel Managers on larger, more complex event travel programs.
• Act as a primary point of contact for assigned clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Create and manage group and individual travel reservations, ensuring accuracy across all systems and documentation.
• Negotiate competitive fares, rates and terms with airline and ground transportation suppliers
• Research travel options and provide cost-effective solutions aligned to client objectives and budgets
• Deliver exceptional client service while ensuring agreed service levels and project milestones are achieved.
• Lead client calls and meetings for assigned projects, providing proactive updates and recommendations.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables and operational requirements to ensure successful delivery.
• Monitor project budgets, track costs and ensure timely reconciliation and invoicing.
• Identify risks and contribute to contingency planning to minimise disruption to client programs.
• Work closely with Client Success Managers and internal stakeholders to support client retention and growth.
• Contribute to departmental revenue and profitability objectives through effective project management and supplier negotiations.
• Provide guidance, support and mentoring to Event Travel Specialists and new team members.
• Share best practices, supplier knowledge and operational expertise across the Event Travel team.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, process enhancements and operational efficiencies.
• Achieve agreed OKRs, service standards and financial targets.
• Maintain strong knowledge of client accounts, industry trends and supplier developments.

Skills Required

• Proven experience within the travel industry, preferably in event, group or project based travel management.
• Experience supporting multiple client accounts and managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated success in delivering high levels of client satisfaction and service excellence.
• Strong GDS experience (Sabre, Amadeus).
• Advanced knowledge of airline fares, ticketing, routing and group travel logistics.
• Understanding of event registration platforms such as Cvent or similar technologies.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify value and profitability opportunities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to anticipate risks and implement practical solutions.
• Confident presenter and communicator at all organisational levels.
• Self-motivated, proactive and capable of working independently.
• Collaborative team player who actively supports and develops colleagues.
• Adaptable, resilient and able to perform effectively in a changing environment.

Equal Opportunities

At Reed & Mackay we welcome everyone with an open mind and an open heart. This is because we knowpeoples' different experiences, identities and backgrounds helps us to build a culture where everyone cancollaborate and be their authentic selves, whilst feeling safe, valued and included.
Reed & Mackay is committed to providing equal opportunities by assessing all potential candidates according to their skills, knowledge, qualifications and capabilities. No regard will be given to factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion,disability or neurodivergence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics when making any employment decisions, including hiring.
Reasonable adjustments or accommodations will be provided, where required, and in line with local laws, tocandidates who have a disability or are neurodivergent. Please notify us of your requirements at [e-mail].