Manager, Travel Services at Aga Khan University

, , Pakistan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

05 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Travel Services Management, Air Ticketing, Hotel Accommodations, Visa Support, Budget Management, Forecasting, Cost Optimization, Commercial Negotiations, Vendor Management, Service Level Assessment, Management Reporting, Process Improvement, Policy Interpretation, Audit Readiness, Travel Booking Systems, Problem-Solving

Industry

Hospitals and Health Care

Description

Manager, Travel Services Entity: Aga Khan University Location: Karachi Department: Travel Services Introduction: Chartered in 1983, it is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, Aga Khan University (AKU) provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. The Aga Khan University (AKU) seeks to assign an Assistant Manager – Travel Services within the Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Division. The position is responsible for managing and overseeing Travel Services operations to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and policy-compliant travel arrangements for faculty, staff, and students across AKU and AKUH, in line with AKU policies and AKDN standards. As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment. Responsibilities: Lead and manage end-to-end travel services operations, including air ticketing, hotel accommodations and visa-related support, ensuring seamless service delivery across the University. Ensure all travel requests are processed accurately, timely and in full compliance with AKU Travel Policy, AKDN guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements. Act as a trusted advisor to departments and senior leadership on travel planning, cost optimization strategies and policy interpretation. Manage the Travel Services budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring optimal utilization of allocated funds. Lead commercial negotiations and manage strategic relationships with airlines, travel management companies, hotels and transport providers to achieve favorable pricing, service quality and contractual compliance. Establish and monitor vendor performance frameworks, conducting structured periodic reviews, service level assessments and corrective action planning as required. Review, analyze and present periodic management reports on travel spend, usage trends, savings achieved, vendor performance and risk areas for leadership and finance review. Drive continuous improvement by identifying process gaps, recommending policy or procedural enhancements and leading implementation of approved initiatives and digital solutions. Ensure appropriate controls, documentation and audit readiness related to travel transactions, vendor contracts and financial reconciliations. Qualifications: Master’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or an equivalent qualification. IATA certification or relevant travel management certification will be an added advantage. Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in travel coordination or management, preferably in a corporate or institutional setting. At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role. Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and vendor management capabilities. Proficiency in travel booking systems and online platforms. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Sound understanding of institutional travel policies, compliance requirements, and cost-control practices. Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted

Responsibilities

The Manager, Travel Services will lead and manage end-to-end travel operations, including ticketing, accommodations, and visa support, ensuring compliance with AKU Travel Policy and AKDN guidelines. This role also involves managing the travel budget, leading commercial negotiations with vendors, and driving continuous process improvement initiatives.