Travel Operations Manager, North America

McKinsey & Company; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company where you will lead the North America region for Optimize Travel. This role is pivotal in shaping the regional travel strategy, enhancing travel experiences, and driving innovation. You'll collaborate with a diverse team to streamline processes, improve service quality, and ensure compliance with travel policies. Your expertise will help create a global travel program that not only delivers value but also fosters positive experiences for colleagues. If you're passionate about travel management and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant corporate travel experience required.
• Demonstrated record of impact in previous roles.

Responsibilities

• Streamlining travel processes and reducing operational costs.
• Enhancing alignment between global travel objectives and local needs.
• Ensuring a seamless travel experience for employees.

Skills

Outstanding communications skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to thrive in a complex organization

Intellectual curiosity

Collaborative attitude

Education

Undergraduate degree

Advanced degree or professional training

Tools

GDS knowledge

Job description

Who You'll Work With

You will be part of the McKinsey Optimize function that delivers distinctive, positive and productive experiences through various services ranging from travel, events, real estate, sourcing, technology and purchasing. You will work closely with the wider Travel Team and Optimize departments, as well as leadership in North America and colleagues in other functions across the globe.

Optimize Travel is responsible for setting the strategy for – and managing the operations of McKinsey’s global travel program. Our vision is to bring people together to create positive enduring change in the world. We do this by designing a global and scalable travel program that harnesses innovation to deliver the best value for our firm while creating positive experiences for our colleagues. We empower colleagues to make informed travel decisions as they focus on delivering impact where it matters most.

You will be based in one of our approved U.S. Office locations (Boston, NY, NJ, Miramar, Tampa, Denver, Philadelphia) and report directly to the North America Regional Travel Manager based in Miramar, Florida.

Your Impact

You will lead Optimize Travel’s NA region in collaboration with the NA Regional Travel Manager. In collaboration with Optimize Travel leadership, you will set the regional travel strategy to ensure the delivery of exceptional travel experiences, drive innovation, and uphold excellence.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Streamlining travel processes and reducing operational costs
2. Enhancing alignment between global travel objectives with local stakeholder needs
3. Improving service quality and policy compliance
4. Ensuring a seamless travel experience for employees through effective issue resolution and supplier management
5. Supporting and driving both global & regional travel initiatives
6. Identifying gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement
7. Collaborating with the Regional Travel Manager to address service-related issues such as quality control and service level adherence
8. Partnering with local offices and our Travel Management Company to improve service support
9. Addressing and reporting on policy compliance and related issues
10. Partnering with local finance, tax, and payment teams to resolve policy, approval, or payment issues
11. Working closely with Travel Category Managers on key supplier relationships for air, hotel, and car rental services

Your Qualifications and Skills

• Undergraduate degree and demonstrable intellectual curiosity through professional training, advanced degree or professional impact
• 5+ years of relevant corporate travel experience, GDS knowledge is a plus
• Demonstrated record of impact in previous roles
• Outstanding communications and listening skills
• Ability to thrive in a complex organization
• Distinctive expertise and problem-solving skills, demonstrated through impact on complex, sensitive, time-critical issues
• An entrepreneurial, collaborative attitude with interest and aptitude for working as part of a global team across countries and cultures
• Exceptional demonstrated judgment and integrity