Lead Expert GREW Travel EMEA

dsm-firmenich; Maastricht; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

dsm-firmenich is seeking a Lead for EMEA Travel Operations in Maastricht. This role focuses on optimizing travel and expense management, ensuring compliance and efficiency. You will lead operations, manage relationships with Travel Management Companies, and support procurement in supplier negotiations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset are essential. This position offers a chance to influence travel governance across the region.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in travel management, preferably in a regional EMEA role.
• Proven experience working with Travel Management Companies.
• Ability to translate travel data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee EMEA travel operations and expenses.
• Manage relationships with Travel Management Companies and suppliers.
• Track compliance, traveler feedback, and data insights.

Skills

Strong influencing and communication skills

Analytical skills

Service-oriented mindset

Curiosity for travel innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism

Tools

Travel management systems

Online booking tools

Job description

Lead and optimize EMEA travel operations at dsm-firmenich. In this regional expert role, you shape compliant, secure and efficient travel and expense management, partnering with internal stakeholders and suppliers. You drive continuous improvement, cost control and traveler experience across a complex, international environment.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee EMEA travel operations and expenses in line with the Group Standard for Travel and Events
• Act as regional point of contact for escalations and complex travel matters, providing expert guidance to stakeholders
• Manage day-to-day relationships with Travel Management Companies, card providers and internal payment and expense processes, including resolution of payment-related issues
• Support Procurement in RFPs, supplier selection and commercial negotiations
• Monitor and manage supplier performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs
• Track compliance, traveler feedback and data insights to drive continuous improvement across the region

We bring

• A key regional role shaping travel operations and governance across EMEA
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional collaboration in a global organization
• The opportunity to improve cost control, compliance and traveler experience at scale
• A culture where ownership, pragmatism and expertise are valued
• Opportunities to grow your impact across functions, regions and disciplines
• Meaningful work that supports safe, efficient and sustainable travel

You bring

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in travel management, preferably in a regional EMEA role
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with a service-oriented, collaborative mindset
• Proven experience working with TMCs, travel management systems and online booking tools
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate travel data into actionable insights
• A performance-driven attitude, curiosity for travel innovation and a continuous-improvement mindset