Sr. Meeting Planner – Meetings & Events – Remote

Sr. Program Manager – Meetings & Events (Sr. Meeting Planner) – Remote 

Embark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel! 

As one of the fastest growing Travel Management Companies (TMC) in the world, Direct Travel is committed to reimagining what is possible for the industry, including business travel, personalized experiences, and meetings & events. Under the forward-thinking direction of our experienced leadership team, we are rapidly expanding and leveraging next-generation technologies to deliver on our vision for The Perfect Trip. This is your opportunity to grow your career and be part of a dynamic team that is setting the new standard of travel and service excellence. If you’re passionate about innovation and ready for what’s next, we’d love for you to join us! 

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for managing and leading the client in full end to end program planning & program execution through building client relationships, managing client timelines, budgets, and all elements including vendor relationships and technology platforms to successfully reach all objectives.

Expedition Expectations 

Client:  

• Functions as the main client contact and works diligently to develop a strong relationship; manages clients, and provide creative solutions
• Consults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, and expectations of the program 
• Remains current and knowledgeable about the industry to provide the client with innovative and compelling concepts 
• Understands client/group idiosyncrasies and adapts Direct Travel services, accordingly
• Schedules and facilitates client planning and debrief meetings to evaluate program results 
• Is accountable for successful program outcome 

 Program Operations:  

• Collaborates with appropriate team members in internal kick-off, following program turnover from pre-sales to operations 
• Executes overall strategy and choreography of meetings and events through timeline management.
• Leads clients and other team members on operational site inspections 
• Negotiates and manages supplier contracts, including deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, room blocks, and master accounts in conjunction with internal team members 
• Acts as liaison between customer, hotel, and all suppliers
• Creates and communicates all program specifications 
• Sends appropriate post-program correspondence/reporting to all stakeholders 

   Financial Management and Insights:  

• Creates and manages program budget 
• Understands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit 
• Manages and reports on cost-savings, reconciliation, and invoicing 

  Leadership:  

• Provides confident leadership for the client and planning team
• Mentors Associate Program Managers on an ongoing basis 
• Works interdepartmentally (as applicable per program) for the successful execution of the program. (such as: Group air team, Sourcing and Technology teams)
• Onsite-Is responsible for on-site program execution and direction of travel staff. Implements contingency plans as needed onsite. Troubleshoots and solves onsite problems seamlessly 
• Is responsibl