The Corporate Travel and Expense Management Leader will oversee the firm’s enterprise-wide approach to employee travel and related expenditures. This role will shape policy frameworks, guide key supplier relationships, drive cost-effective practices, and support a consistent, high-quality travel experience across the organization.

Success in this position requires strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to work seamlessly across functions to ensure the travel program aligns with broader organizational priorities and operational expectations.

Applicants must live in Illinois

Responsibilities

• Guide the firm’s Travel Strategy and Spend Management function, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and long-range planning.
• Partner closely with senior leaders and business units to shape a cohesive firm-wide travel approach.
• Serve as the strategic escalation point for complex travel needs, providing direction that balances business requirements, risk, and employee experience.
• Assess shifting organizational demands and recommend program refinements that strengthen efficiency, flexibility, and traveler satisfaction.
• Oversee key supplier relationships and negotiate strategic agreements that enhance value and service.
• Optimize the firm’s use of travel technologies to streamline processes and support informed, data-driven decisions.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and policy integrity across all travel-related activities.
• Deliver high-level spend insights and recommendations that support executive decision-making and financial stewardship.
• Communicate travel expectations and policy updates with clarity to maintain alignment across the organization.
• Lead the firm’s duty-of-care approach, ensuring readiness and appropriate support for traveling employees.
• Develop sourcing strategies and performance frameworks that guide supplier selection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive strategic and operational enhancements that elevate overall program performance and organizational impact.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Relevant industry certifications are valued.
• 5+ years of experience leading travel strategy or program management within a complex or multinational environment.
• Skilled in interpreting complex data and generating actionable insights.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels and with external partners.
• Proven negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Proficient with travel and expense tools and related technologies.
• Strategic thinker with solid project management capability.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget oversight and cost optimization.
• Demonstrated success improving program efficiency, compliance, and service quality.
• Comfortable operating cross-functionally within a matrixed structure.
• Familiar with regulatory and compliance considerations related to employee travel.

Up to $165,000 salary (based on experience)