Job Type

Full-time
Description
Swickard Auto Group is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Corporate Travel Specialist to join our growing team and play a pivotal role in establishing our internal corporate travel department.
In this exciting role, you will be a key player in shaping the future of Swickard Auto Group's travel program. You will leverage your industry expertise and negotiation skills to establish and manage valuable partnerships with airlines, hotels, and transportation providers, ensuring Swickard Auto Group receives the most competitive rates and travel solutions for our geographically dispersed employees. You will be the primary point of contact for travel arrangements & bookings, group travel bookings, and charter airline negotiations, while also contributing to the development and implementation of our new corporate travel platform.
Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough research and analysis of corporate travel industry trends, competitor offerings, and market fluctuations.
• Develop and implement a strategic corporate travel program aligned with company policies, budget constraints, and employee needs.
• Secure and manage corporate travel partnerships with airlines, hotels, ground transportation providers, dining, and entertainment, negotiating the most favorable rates and terms for Swickard Auto Group, with a focus on individual travel arrangements and group bookings.
• Negotiate charter airline contracts for large-scale employee travel needs.
• Collaborate with the marketing & engagement department and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a user-friendly corporate travel platform. This includes defining user requirements, testing functionalities, and providing ongoing feedback.
• Support employees who will utilize the corporate travel platform once launched by providing guidance, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring adherence to company travel policies.
• Book and manage complex travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related needs, utilizing a GDS or similar booking platform.
• Prepare travel itineraries and distribute travel arrangements and schedules to all appropriate staff across different locations.
• Coordinate company travel needs within the constraints of the travel and entertainment policy.
• Ensure reporting compliance with Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) requirements.
• Develop effective solutions for employee travel needs and concerns, providing exceptional customer service and understanding the diverse needs of employees traveling from various locations.
• Support the Meetings & Events team by coordinating travel logistics for business gatherings and conferences.
• Obtain approval from leadership for travel requests and expenses that exceed established limits.
• Advise travelers of and assist with any need for specialized travel documents such as visas or passports.
• Monitor and facilitate the use of company air travel credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and other applicable rewards and loyalty programs.
• Track and analyze travel program data to identify cost-saving opportunities and program effectiveness.
• Stay informed and up to date on industry best practices, travel regulations, and security protocols.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a Travel Agent/Travel Coordinator/Corporate Travel Agent role or a related corporate travel industry position.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and managing corporate travel partnerships with airlines, hotels, and transportation providers (preferred).
• Knowledge of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) or similar booking platforms and Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) requirements. Previous experience using Sabre is preferred but not required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. High level of customer service is required, including maintaining confidentiality, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and travel industry booking tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, well organized, and able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly interpret policies and apply learned procedures and principles in the performance of core job duties.
• Strong technical abilities and aptitude are required.

Benefits:
Here's why Swickard is different:

• Invest in Yourself: Ongoing training and development keeps you at the top of your game.
• Level Up Your Skills: Pursue your passions and unlock your full potential.
• Thrive in a Community: We celebrate diversity and create a space where you feel you belong.

Benefits that matter:

• Peace of mind: Get access to competitive health & wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and even pet insurance.
• Plan for your future: Contribute to a 401k plan and enjoy paid holidays and PTO.
• Say goodbye to the hustle: We offer consistent work and exciting projects so you can focus on what you do best.

#T5