Strategic Sourcing - Travel & Events Manager 1

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. Youll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. Theres no one like you and thats why theres nowhere like RSM.

Leads and executes vendor sourcing negotiations for meeting and events as assigned by the Global Travel Director & Strategic Sourcing Manager, with specific focus on events being held in India (the team sources 175+/- meetings and events per year taking place in the United States, Canada, and India). Vendors may include but are not limited to: event management companies, audio visual providers, and event venues (i.e. hotels, convention centers, restaurants, exhibit halls).

Responsible for strategic development and execution of RSMs India based travel program to include meeting with firm leadership and key travelers to evaluate travel desk needs in India, establish a list of tools, technology, and vendors required to functionally support the travel program, RFP and contract with these vendors, draft travel booking guidance documents and travel policy in support of cost savings and avoidance. Involved in day-to-day management of India employee domestic and international travel services. Duties to include (but not be limited to): assisting employees to make, update and cancel air, hotel, and ground transportation arrangements; ensuring employee travel requests are within firm policy and align with intended budgets; collaborates with other internal teams to ensure travel policy and individual travel requests are in compliance with other relevant policies and procedures (specifically Global Mobility and Finance); and manage India travel vendor relationships in collaboration with the firms Global Travel Director.

Essential Duties (Required duties that employees must accomplish. Performance is measured)

Meetings and Events - 20%

1. Liaise with key functional group personnel to understand strategy and meeting specifications to develop RFPs to send to vendors, ensuring requests are in compliance with regulatory requirements and firm policies and procedures.

2. Initiate RFPs and obtain vendor bids using firm approved technology (Cvent) as well as working directly with approved national sales contacts to identify and select suppliers that meet quality standards. Review offers and make vendor recommendations based on many factors including specifications of the event, budgets, vendor rating/reviews, vendors willingness to negotiate and accepts firms preferred contract terms, and overall product/service value.

3. Negotiate contracts, obtaining best value rates for products or services to include (but are not limited to) rooms, food & beverage (F&B), audio visual (AV), event management companies, and other frequently purchased meeting/event necessities.

4. If necessary, work with contracted vendors to negotiate and amend agreements as required.

Business Travel - 50%

1. Strategically develop and implement a fully functioning travel desk in India.

2. Intake travel requests from employees ensuring they have appropriate pre-approvals for travel, are within travel policy, and ensuring the employee is aware of other relevant tasks to be completed prior to traveling.

3. Submit travel requests to firm approved travel vendors for making reservations, negotiating costs, and ensuring reservations are made in accordance with firm policies.

4. Manages reservation changes/cancellations between the employee and the travel vendor, keeping accurate logs of any credits for future usage.

5. Maintains detailed records related to: travel spend, bookings, vendor feedback, and employee issues/challenges.

6. Manages the day-to-day relationship with the India travel vendors and escalates any issues to the Global Travel Director as required.

Operational Tasks - 25%

1. Managing supplier performance, including regular reviews and audits to ensure quality standards, delivery schedules and cost-effectiveness and advise with respect to vendor disputes.

2. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring open communication, mutual respect, and a spirit of partnership.

3. Manage and maintain procurement and vendor databases, ensuring that records and other related documents are up-to-date, accurate, and readily accessible.

4. Monitor market conditions and industry trends, staying informed about new products and services and identifying potential opportunities for cost savings.

5. Provide regular reports and updates on issues related to procurement activities, goals, budgets, and performance to the management team.

Other duties as assigned - 5%

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

Required bachelors degree in related field or the equivalent through a combination of education or work experience.

TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS

1. Required basic knowledge of excel, word and word processing. Preferred prior experience working in Cvent

2. Required deep understanding of the travel industry, and the ability to implement and employ strategies and negotiate costs

3. Required basic understanding of contract law and ability to understand contractual language

4. Required - can-do approach and problem-solver who can respond quickly, concisely, and expeditiously

EXPERIENCE

1. Required 3-5 years Travel Management experience

2. Required 3-5 years strategic sourcing experience travel category Required 1-3 years project management/meeting planning experience Required Experience managing vendor agreements and relationships Required Experience negotiating contract terms and conditions, recognizing specific needs for travel provider contracts

3. Required proven cost-benefit experience and savings in travel negotiations

4. Preferred knowledge of contracting process workflow and automated contracting systems

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

1. Required superior oral and written communication skills

2. Required ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization and with vendors

3. Required exceptional listening skills