Manager, Travel and Transportation Services
Debevoise & Plimpton - New York City, NY
Apply NowJob Description
Manager, Travel and Transportation Services TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Our clients look to us to bring a distinctively high degree of quality, intensity and creativity to resolve legal challenges effectively and cost efficiently. We believe in hiring talented and dedicated individuals as members of our administrative community. We draw on the strength of our culture and structure to deliver the best of our firm to our lawyers and clients through true collaboration. The firm is seeking a full-time Manager of Travel and Transportation Services to oversee and manage all aspects of travel and car services across the firm. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in travel related services and experience in team management and 24/7 service support. In addition, the candidate will possess excellent leadership, ability to drive changes and projects, a strong sense of hospitality and customer experience, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and ability to manage multiple complex projects in a dynamic environment. This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer.This is a full-time, onsite New York based position. Occasional travel and availability for on-call support outside of regular business hours, as needed, will be required. RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:Travel Services Management:• Oversee and manage the relationship with an external travel agency, ensuring that it provides high-quality and cost-effective services for domestic and international travel arrangements.• Develop and implement travel policies and procedures in line with firm standards. • Ensure the travel agency coordinates all travel-related needs, including flights, accommodations, and ground transportation for attorneys and staff.• Negotiate and manage contracts with travel vendors, including airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to ensure cost-effective and high-quality service.• Monitor and analyze travel data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, travel expenditures and ensure compliance with the firm's travel budget.• Coordinate with other offices to ensure consistent travel services and adherence to firm-wide travel standards.Car Services Management:• Lead and manage a team of dispatchers providing 24/7 car service support to ensure timely and professional service.• Manage relationships with car service providers, ensuring reliable and high-quality service.• Develop and maintain a database of preferred car service vendors and drivers.• Implement safety and security protocols for car services.• Monitor car service expenditures and ensure cost-effectiveness.Vendor Management:• Establish and maintain strong relationships with travel and car service vendors.• Assist in negotiating service agreements.• Conduct regular performance reviews and manage vendor(s) against agreed upon Service Level Agreement (SLA).• Address any service issues promptly and effectively to ensure high service standards.Advisory and Coordination Role:• Act as the primary advisor for travel and transportation services for all firm offices, providing expert guidance and support.• Coordinate with office managers and administrators to ensure cohesive and efficient travel services across the firm.• Lead initiatives to improve the travel experience for employees, including the implementation of new technologies and services.Duty of Care:• Develop and implement duty of care policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees during travel.• Monitor global travel alerts and provide timely information and guidance to travelers.• Ensure that all travel arrangements comply with the firm's duty of care standards.• Coordinate with security and risk management teams to manage travel-related risks and emergencies.Sustainability:• Promote and implement sustainable travel practices within the firm and coordinate across all offices.• Work with travel agencies and vendors to prioritize eco-friendly options • Develop and monitor sustainability metrics related to travel and car services for all offices.• Educate and encourage staff to make environmentally responsible travel choices.Budget and Reporting:• Prepare and manage the travel and car services budget.• Track and report on travel and car service expenses, identifying opportunities for cost savings.• Provide regular reports to the Chief Administrative officer on travel and car service metrics.Compliance and Risk Management:• Ensure compliance with all relevant travel and transportation regulations.• Develop and implement risk management strategies related to travel and car services.• Conduct regular audits of travel and car service activities to ensure compliance with firm policies.Staff Training and Development:• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the travel and car services team.• Provide training to attorneys and staff on travel and car service policies and procedures.• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in travel and car services.REQUIREMENTS:• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.• 5-7 years of experience in travel management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.• Proven experience in managing relationships with travel agencies and vendors.• Proven experience managing a small team of agents working 24/7.• Strong leadership, negotiation, and contract management skills.• Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills.• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.• Ability to work under pressure and handle emergencies.• Proficiency in travel management software and online booking tools.Preferred Qualifications:• Certification in travel management (e.g., Certified Travel Associate, Certified Corporate Travel Executive).• Experience in managing international travel.• Familiarity with legal industry travel needs and requirements.TO APPLY:A resume is required to apply for this position. Please tell us your salary requirements and where you saw this position posted. Send required materials to:Human ResourcesDebevoise & Plimpton LLPTaria YarboroughHR Generalist
Created: 2024-09-15