Travel Operations Manager, North America

McKinsey & Company; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader for their Optimize Travel function. In this pivotal role, you will set the regional travel strategy for North America, ensuring the delivery of exceptional travel experiences while driving innovation and operational excellence. You will collaborate closely with various teams to streamline processes, enhance service quality, and uphold policy compliance. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a complex organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across global teams. If you are passionate about travel and have a track record of delivering results, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Streamlining travel processes and reducing operational costs.
• Ensuring a seamless travel experience for employees.

Skills

Outstanding communications and listening skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to thrive in a complex organization

Entrepreneurial and 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. Partnering with the Regional Travel Manager to support and drive both global & regional travel initiatives.
6. Identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement to drive continuous improvement in operations.
7. Collaborating with the Regional Travel Manager to identify and address service-related issues.
8. Addressing and reporting on policy compliance and related issues, providing recommendations on policy and process updates.
9. Partnering with local finance, tax, and payment teams to resolve policy, approval, or payment issues.
10. 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.