<p><strong>Global Travel & Expense Program Manager </strong></p><p><strong>Professional Services Firm</strong></p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Must reside in <strong>Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis, or Washington DC </strong>and be able to be in an office at these locations for specific meetings.</p><p><strong>Work Model:</strong> Mostly Remote (onsite as needed)</p><p><strong>Hours:</strong> 40 hours/week</p><p><strong>Contract Pay Range:</strong> $60–$80/hour</p><p>Our client, a global professional services firm, is hiring for a <strong>Global Travel & Expense Program Manager</strong>. This role will lead and evolve the firm’s end-to-end corporate travel and expense program across a large, multinational employee base. The ideal candidate brings deep functional expertise in corporate travel management, a strategic mindset, and demonstrated success driving compliance, cost optimization, and a best-in-class employee travel experience.</p><p><strong>About the Role</strong></p><p>The Global Travel & Expense Program Manager will own the firm’s global T&E strategy, policies, vendor relationships, and systems. This leader ensures the program operates efficiently, supports business objectives, and provides high-quality service to employees who travel for work.</p><p>You will collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Procurement, Legal, and business leadership to ensure alignment, compliance, and continuous improvement across all aspects of travel and expense management.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><strong>Travel Program Management</strong></p><ul><li>Develop and manage a global travel and expense program aligned with corporate strategy and industry best practices.</li><li>Serve as the primary contact for all travel-related escalations and support.</li><li>Assess organizational travel needs and recommend program improvements.</li><li>Negotiate and manage contracts with airlines, hotels, rental car providers, and TMCs.</li><li>Enhance traveler experience through technology, tools, and process optimization (e.g., Concur, online booking tools).</li></ul><p><strong>Expense Management & Compliance</strong></p><ul><li>Oversee travel and expense systems and ensure alignment with corporate policies and regulatory standards.</li><li>Analyze travel spend, identify trends, and uncover opportunities for cost savings.</li><li>Deliver regular reports to senior leadership related to budgets, KPIs, and program performance.</li><li>Lead travel risk management efforts and duty-of-care obligations.</li></ul><p><strong>Vendor & Category Management</strong></p><ul><li>Develop category strategies and supplier performance metrics for travel procurement.</li><li>Ensure preferred supplier utilization and evaluate supplier capabilities.</li><li>Partner with Legal on contract templates, negotiations, and risk mitigation.</li><li>Stay current on travel advisories, industry trends, and best practices.</li></ul><p><strong>Leadership & Continuous Improvement</strong></p><ul><li>Act as the organization’s subject matter expert for travel and expense management.</li><li>Collaborate with HR, Talent Acquisition, and business units to align travel policies with operational needs.</li><li>Lead change management efforts to support adoption of policies, tools, and preferred vendors.</li><li>Drive data-informed improvements to enhance efficiency and the traveler experience.</li></ul><p><strong>Required Experience & Skills</strong></p><ul><li>8+ years of corporate travel & expense management experience (domestic & global).</li><li>Experience leading T&E programs in a mid- to large-size corporate environment.</li><li>Deep expertise with Concur and other travel/expense technologies.</li><li>Demonstrated job stability and a track record of success managing complex T&E functions.</li><li>Strong analytical, financial, and reporting skills (budgets, cost optimization, vendor performance).</li><li>Experience defining and maintaining corporate T&E policies.</li><li>Exceptional professionalism and ability to collaborate with senior leadership.</li></ul><p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred).</li><li>Certifications such as GTP, CCTE, or similar.</li><li>Experience navigating global labor and compliance considerations.</li></ul><p></p>