Travel Sourcing & Planning Manager

TRAVEL SOURCING & PLANNING MANAGER – MOTIVATION EXCELLENCE

Company Culture

Fun. Innovative. Understanding. It’s in our DNA.

We are committed to being an ‘Employer of Choice.” As we strive to exceed our employees’ expectations, we are committed to treating each individual with dignity and respect. We value our employees because they are our competitive advantage. Our employees’ talents, character, and commitment to excellence are our strengths. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to grow and develop the talents and skills necessary for our team to be successful. We encourage an entrepreneurial attitude that generates mutual trust and respect, which promotes the entire team’s competitive spirit. It is a constant process that requires commitment and hard work from every employee to sustain success. Because our expectations are high, the rewards we enjoy are exceptional. We are committed to providing a fun and professional work environment with benefits that enrich the lives of our employees and their families.

Position Summary

Support all aspects of pre-sale functions up to contracting and turnover to post-sale (program management) for the travel team. Contribute to success by developing winning travel proposals and presentations. Effective supplier negotiations. Ensure accuracy of group travel pricing estimates and travel proposal content. Manage pre-sale details to achieve outcome of exceeding client and MEI expectations. Maintain healthy supplier relationships and build upon the MEI brand. We are seeking a Travel Planner (Dreamer) that embraces creative challenges with innovative solutions and ideas including the creation of highly unique, travel itinerary elements and experiences that incorporate the destinations local culture and result in WOW long lasting memories of the travel experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Logistics planning for program design and operations (includes meetings, incentives, and tradeshows)
• Fam trips where practical to continually improve travel product knowledge
• Site inspections (as necessary)
• Travel agenda/itinerary creation for group travel proposals
• Cash flow strategy and management
• Transition of sold and complete programs to post sales operations team
• Invoicing (clients and suppliers) requests with appropriate management approval
• Supplier negotiations and purchasing
• Contract negotiations and execution with suppliers
• Costing and pricing of all travel products in ME pricing document (Excel) with necessary approvals
• Brainstorm meetings with sales and management to discuss developing winning solutions for client group travel proposal requests (PPR’s)
• Clear and immediate communication with Director, Travel Sourcing & Supplier Relations for any issue that may arise.
• Proposal writing and development of group travel proposals (PowerPoint)
• Proposal presentations with Account Executives when requested
• Contacting and sourcing potential travel partners for pricing and proposals to be considered for inclusion in travel program content
• Managing air fare estimates with air team supervisor
• Internal management reports
• Problem resolution and brainstorming on a variety of levels
• Interim review steps with appropriate team members when necessary

Skills And Education Requirements

At least 5 years of experience as a Travel Planner or Program Manager in the meeting/incentive industry

College degree preferred

Essential Skills/Core Competencies

Solid knowledge and understanding of corporate group travel, airline reservations and ticketing, A/V companies, hotels, DMC’s, and how programs operate within our industry

Preferred Knowledge Of C-Vent Supplier Network System For RFPs

Strong experience with Excel & Outlook

Experience with Word & PowerPoint

Excellent and clear verbal/written communication skills

If you are committed to professional excellence, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, energetic, fun, business casual environment.

EOE