Sr. Manager, Global Travel

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Global Travel Manager to lead Illumina’s Global Travel Program. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial oversight of travel expenses, supplier negotiations, process management, and policy enforcement. This role requires a keen understanding of corporate travel systems, cost-control strategies, and ensuring compliance with travel policies across multiple regions. We’re looking for a dynamic individual to lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of corporate travel and event strategies that support our fast-paced organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Travel Program Management

• Lead the Global Travel Team and Program, supplier selection and negotiation, risk management and compliance.
• Manage relationships with travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and other travel related suppliers.
• Monitor travel trends and analytics to drive cost savings and improve the employee travel experience.
• Oversee travel expense reporting processes and tools in partnership with Finance and Security.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead RFP processes for travel-related categories: air, hotel, ground transportation, travel technology, and ancillary services.
• Conduct market analyses to identify cost saving and service enhancing opportunities.
• Negotiate master service agreements, volume discounts, and performance SLAs with global suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance through scorecards, quarterly business reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Maintain a preferred supplier roster; evaluate new suppliers to fill capability or geographic gaps.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Mentor and lead a team of travel VIP specialists and manager, fostering growth and operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement by gathering feedback and staying current on best practices in the industry.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executives and internal partners, offering creative solutions and strategic counsel for travel and event needs.

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Travel Management, Hospitality, Communications or related field: advanced degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in Corporate Travel or related operations.
• Financial acumen with experience in management and reporting on travel spend.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
• Excellent communication, project management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Travel Management Companies, travel and expense platforms, and event management tools.
• Multilingual is a plus.

The estimated base salary range for the Sr. Manager, Global Travel role based in the United States of America is: $126,800 - $190,200. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

At Illumina, we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by cultivating an environment in which everyone contributes to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always been rooted in openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative views and perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnic