Category Manager (Travel Program)

American Electric Power Co.; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. is seeking a Category Manager (Travel Program) in Columbus, OH to lead the travel program strategy and supplier engagements, aligning policies with business needs.

The role focuses on managing TMCs, negotiating contracts, and driving traveler satisfaction across a large multi-state organization. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in Supply Chain/Travel management, experience with travel tech platforms, and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with travel management companies (TMCs) and travel tech platforms.
• Familiarity with SAP Concur, AmEx Global Travel, Navan or CWT.
• Experience leading travel technology implementations.
• Experience managing a travel program for a large, multi-state organization.
• Strong change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Enhance traveler experience through communications, training initiatives, and responding to internal traveler inquiries.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's travel program, policies, and procedures to align with business objectives and traveler needs.
• Manage relationships and performance of travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and other travel-related suppliers.
• Lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier review processes to optimize service levels, compliance, and total travel spend.

Skills

Travel management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Bachelor degree in related field

Tools

SAP Concur

American Express Global Travel

Navan

CWT

Job description

## Category Manager (Travel Program)Apply: Columbus, OH: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: September 25, 2026 (9 days left to apply): R18844**Job Posting End Date**09-25-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**Job Summary**Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories. Oversee the specific projects and sourcing categories by providing leadership to team members in a variety of strategic areas including sourcing, procurement, contracts, supplier relationship management, inventory management and material standardization. Highly advanced level of knowledge and responsibility for developing, negotiating, executing and maintaining strategic sourcing agreements for specific categories for the procurement of materials, equipment and/or services used by AEP internal customers. This position will identify cost reduction opportunities and capture real Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings (direct or indirect) by aggregating sourcing volumes. This position’s primary responsibility is to manage project-driven sourcing activities for a variety of market baskets that are normally associated with high-spend, high-impact, and often complex categories across multiple business unit stakeholders. Develop and implement strategies to achieve corporate savings goals. Establish effective relationships and work collaboratively with Business Unit customers, and suppliers to maintain customer satisfaction. Interface with Business Unit leadership to report ongoing progress to goals. Champion new initiatives that will support shared business objectives, support the business unit partner's needs, and enable the company to efficiently operate in a competitive and changing environment. Strategies will be developed in a collaborative effort between Supply Chain, Procurement, and the various Business Units and Operating Companies impacted by the program. Ensure corporate spend and savings goals are incorporated into the sourcing strategy and contracts. Develop and manage metrics/measurements to record the progress and actions related to the program processes.**Job Description**Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!**Category Manager-Travel Program Management****What You'll Do:*** Enhance traveler experience through communications, training initiatives, and responding to internal traveler inquiries.* Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's travel program, policies, and procedures to align with business objectives and traveler needs.* Manage relationships and performance of travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and other travel-related suppliers.* Lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier review processes to optimize service levels, compliance, and total travel spend.**Qualifications, Skills, and Experience*** Experience working with travel management companies (TMCs), online booking tools, and travel technology platforms.* Familiarity with SAP Concur, American Express Global Business Travel, Navan, CWT, or similar travel management solutions.* Experience leading travel technology implementations and process improvement initiatives.* Experience managing a travel program for a large, multi-state organization.* Strong change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.**What We're Looking For:****Education:** Bachelor Degree in Supply Management/Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering or related fields of study.**Experience:** 5 years in Supply Chain / Fleet or related experience.**What You'll Get:****Expected Salary Range:** $117,000.00-$127,000.00/Yr. (USD)*In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.***Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-009**Compensation Range:**$116,255.00 - $151,132.50The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.