Travel & Transportation Manager
Talascend is currently seeking a Travel & Transportation Manager for a contract opportunity with our client in Foster City, California.
Overview
We’re looking for a proactive and strategic Travel & Transportation Manager to drive the success of our global corporate travel and ground transportation programs. This manager will work alongside the Travel & Transportation Coordinator to oversee day-to-day operations, managing vendor relationships, implementing new tools, and ensuring our travel program scales efficiently as the company grows.
Responsibilities
- Own the global corporate travel and ground transportation program, including policy development, process improvements, and traveler experience.
- Monitor industry trends and internal feedback to evolve the program in alignment with company goals, culture, and travel patterns.
- Serve as the main point of contact for all program-related inquiries and escalations.
- Develop short-and long term strategy to manage Travel and Transportation program in line with growing demand.
- Manage relationships with key suppliers (e.g., TMCs, rideshare services, shuttle providers, T&E software), ensuring performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
- Support contract negotiations in partnership with the Strategic Sourcing Manager, ensuring supplier terms align with company needs and policy requirements.
- Develop and manage the annual travel and transportation program budget.
- Track and analyze spend, usage, and savings data, providing actionable insights and performance reporting to key stakeholders.
- Partner with Finance and Procurement to support forecasting and ROI analysis.
- Support the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimization of travel-related tools (e.g., booking platforms, mobility solutions, expense systems).
- Work cross-functionally with IT, Procurement Ops, and Accounting to ensure integration, adoption, and user enablement.
- Partner with Benefits, HR, Legal, and Accounting to ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory standards, and duty-of-care expectations.
- Engage with Sustainability and Security stakeholders to ensure the travel program reflects company values and risk mitigation practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Hospitality Management, or related field.
- 8-10 years of relevant experience in corporate travel, transportation, or indirect procurement, with ownership of vendor and program-level responsibilities.
Requirements
- Proven experience managing or supporting global travel or mobility programs within a fast-paced, scaling environment—preferably in tech.
- Strong supplier management and contract negotiation skills, including managing SLAs and KPIs.
- Hands-on experience with travel and expense platforms (e.g., Navan, Commutifi, Uber for Business).
- Financial acumen, with experience tracking budgets and analyzing program performance metrics.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across levels and functions.
- Self-starter who thrives in environments with ambiguity, autonomy, and constant change.
Preferred Requirements
- Experience working in a technology or high-growth company.
- Exposure to sustainability or travel risk management programs.
- Certifications such as GBTA’s GTP or CPSM are a plus.
Shift
Fully onsite
#IND123
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Drug Screen may be required.
We will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to Federal, State and Local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Talascend is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply. To find out more visit California Fair Chance Act.
Pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Talascend also offers a variety of benefits including: health and disability insurance, 401(k), EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, plan requirements, schedule type, and client work site mandates.
Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.