Travel Manager - Leading Trading Firm

Chicago

Full-Time, Permanent

On-site

$125,000 - $175,000 p.a. base, plus attractive benefits

Tiger Recruitment is working with a leading trading firm to hire a Corporate Travel Manager with deep international travel expertise and proven leadership/managerial experience.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with Global Workplace Services and People Ops to manage the firm’s high-volume travel operations. The right candidate is a hands-on self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced setting, communicates effectively across all levels, and continuously looks for ways to improve processes.

This position is based full-time, on-site at the firm’s Chicago office, five days per week.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Travel Policy Oversight – Develop and uphold corporate travel policies in partnership with the travel team and Director of Workplace Services; update as necessary.
• Travel Training Delivery – Facilitate travel-related training sessions (e.g., quarterly briefings) and support change management initiatives.
• Vendor Relations – Cultivate strong partnerships with travel service providers such as agencies, airlines, hotels, and other vendors; negotiate favorable terms and services.
• Team Management – Lead, coach, and support members of the travel team, encouraging collaboration, professional development, and high standards of performance.
• Travel Data Insights – Review and interpret travel-related data to uncover trends, recognize patterns, and identify areas for efficiency and improvement.
• Employee Travel Support – Design travel strategies for staff, candidates, visitors, relocations, and consultants; resolve travel issues and escalate complex cases as appropriate.
• Workflow Optimization – Drive process improvements through automation and enhanced workflows for greater efficiency.
• Cross-Department Coordination – Work with Global Workplace Services, PeopleOps, and leadership to align travel needs with office capacity and enhance in-office experiences.
• Travel Risk Management – Stay informed of travel advisories and restrictions; share timely updates across the firm.
• Ongoing Learning – Engage in industry webinars and trainings to stay current in travel management best practices.
• Expense Oversight – Partner with Accounting and the travel team to manage travel expenses, enhance payment solutions, and leverage expense reporting tools to track spending and offer insights for the business.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Over 7 years of experience overseeing corporate travel programs, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity
• Skilled in using travel platforms (e.g., Concur, GDS) and business tools (e.g., Confluence, Workday, JIRA)
• Dependable and consistently available, with flexibility for on-site presence five days per week and availability for occasional evening or weekend needs
• Background in handling Travel Agency RFP processes, system rollouts, and coordination of private jet logistics and suppliers
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage priorities in a dynamic, high-speed environment
• Comfortable with technology and experienced in streamlining workflows and enhancing processes through automation
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, think creatively, and adapt effectively to changing needs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of partnering across teams, departments, and regions
• Self-starter capable of working independently and handling unexpected situations as they arise
• Committed to excellent customer service, maintains a polished presence, and brings a positive attitude
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Naturally curious and empathetic, with a drive for continuous personal and professional development

REF: HK108608