Head of Global Travel & Operations

Company Description

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams — People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more — provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.

Job Description

Block is actively searching for an exceptional candidate for the Head of Global Travel & Operations position. In this key position, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and overseeing the management of Block's global travel, meetings, internal events, and corporate card programs. Your impact will extend to designing, implementing, and leading programs aimed at efficiently controlling, reducing, and maximizing the company's annual travel expenditures while aligning with corporate and functional objectives. The responsibilities include, but not limited to, developing, negotiating, and leading travel, meetings, internal events, and corporate card programs; management of all travel providers and DRI for Block’s corporate travel policies. Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement, this role presents a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to Block’s annual cost savings initiatives.

You Will:

• Strategically oversee and drive excellence as the global process owner for business travel, meetings & events, and the corporate card program.
• Revolutionize and execute global travel policy enhancements that align seamlessly with corporate objectives.
• Develop and implement a strategic meetings management program for process efficiencies, cost savings and transparency.
• Champion end-to-end responsibilities for the selection, contracting, and seamless implementation of global corporate travel agency services.
• Consistently assess travel management technology, tools, processes, and staffing to unearth avenues for performance elevation. Define annual travel program goals and craft strategic pathways to attain them.
• Strategic sourcing, vendor manager, and key category supplier relationship owner for all travel related suppliers (i.e., airlines, hotels, rideshare, technology providers, airlines, hotels, car services, etc.). Your role is instrumental in ensuring top-tier service and optimal pricing across the spectrum. 
• Execute thorough quarterly and annual business reviews, meticulously evaluating contract performance, services, and savings. This involves a comprehensive examination of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Establish robust Duty of Care provisions to bolster support for both internal and external security teams, ensuring a comprehensive and secure framework.
• Orchestrate global communication initiatives, provide comprehensive training, and passionately advocate for adherence to global travel program policies and procedures across the organization.
• Lead the resolution of customer service issues efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Legal, Payroll, People team, Treasury, and Ethics departments to guarantee that our travel policies not only align but surpass global regulatory requirements, fostering a harmonious intersection of compliance and efficiency.
• Champion the selection, contracting, and seamless implementation of our global credit card provider and program, leading all associated activities with finesse.
• Lead the corporate card administration team with precision, optimizing rebate agreements and upholding elevated standards of customer service and compliance.
• Partner with finance stakeholders for implementation and local administration of card products.
• Cultivate strong cross-organizational collaborations to ensure alignment with Block-wide objectives, while concurrently establishing trusted advisor relationships across various stakeholder levels, adeptly navigating the global organization, resolving conflicts, and consistently delivering impactful results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in tourism, travel, or hospitality.
  • Alternatively, 15 - 20 years of relevant experience can be considered as an equivalent qualification.
• Hold accreditation from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
• Proficient knowledge of travel management company, online booking tool and expense management technologies.
• Strong written, presentation and communication skills to enable leadership of global cross functional