Senior Manager of Travel Services

100% Onsite (Durant, OK) | Monday - Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM or 8:30AM to 5:00PM | Labor Day 

Job Purpose or Objective(s):   Responsible for daily management of the enterprise Travel program under Procurement. Lead the transition of Travel booking operations from Finance to Procurement and manage Travel team associates to ensure policy compliance, operational efficiency, supplier value optimization, and a positive employee travel experience. Oversee travel technology implementation, supplier negotiations, and governance alignment in compliance with CNO policies and audit requirements.

Primary Tasks:

1. Manage the activity of Travel team associates to ensure consistent, timely, and compliant booking support services. 

2. Lead implementation, configuration, and ongoing administration of the enterprise travel booking system. 

3. Maintain status updates on Travel operations and report performance metrics regularly to leadership. Make recommendations for priority modifications to improve service delivery. 

4. Provide input and guidance related to travel policy interpretation, supplier utilization, and cost optimization strategies. 

5. Respond to requests from auditors regarding internal and external travel program reviews. 

6. Manage and mentor staff in performance of their duties and responsibilities. 

7. Protect, maintain, and enhance the value of travel-related goods and services sourced for the benefit of the Choctaw Nation and its members. 

8. Review and analyze travel documentation and reporting to ensure availability, accuracy, and completeness of information to ensure compliance with policies and oversight/governing bodies. 

9. Lead sourcing initiatives for airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and travel management companies to ensure best value and service quality. 

10. Consolidate and create operational and spend reports as requested by management. 

11. Act as a liaison for CNO business units, Integrated Services Departments, Finance, IT, HR, and external travel suppliers as appropriate.  

12. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in business, supply chain, finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Experience managing corporate travel operations or related procurement functions. 

Experience leading or participating in enterprise system implementation projects. 

Ability to build relationships and develop solutions to support defined operational strategies. 

Knowledge of travel policy compliance, governance, and internal controls. 

Experience negotiating vendor agreements. 

Strong analytical and reporting skills. 

Strong negotiation and communication skills. 

Seven (7) years of related experience.

1. Manage the activity of Travel team associates to ensure consistent, timely, and compliant booking support services. 

2. Lead implementation, configuration, and ongoing administration of the enterprise travel booking system. 

3. Maintain status updates on Travel operations and report performance metrics regularly to leadership. Make recommendations for priority modifications to improve service delivery. 

4. Provide input and guidance related to travel policy interpretation, supplier utilization, and cost optimization strategies. 

5. Respond to requests from auditors regarding internal and external travel program reviews. 

6. Manage and mentor staff in performance of their duties and responsibilities. 

7. Protect, maintain, and enhance the value of travel-related goods and services sourced for the benefit of the Choctaw Nation and its members. 

8. Review and analyze travel documentation and reporting to ensure availability, accuracy, and completeness of information to ensure compliance with policies and oversight/governing bodies. 

9. Lead sourcing initiatives for airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and travel management companies to ensure best value and service quality. 

10. Consolidate and create operational and spend reports as requested by management. 

11. Act as a liaison for CNO business units, Integrated Services Departments, Finance, IT, HR, and external travel suppliers as appropriate.  

12. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in business, supply chain, finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Experience managing corporate travel operations or related procurement functions. 

Experience leading or participating in enterprise system implementation projects. 

Ability to build relationships and develop solutions to support defined operational strategies. 

Knowledge of travel policy compliance, governance, and internal controls. 

Experience negotiating v