EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s is required.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required.
Three (3) years of experience providing management and executive levels with self-developed reports and recommendations based on an overall analysis of the current state of the travel program is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate must have the ability to develop a positive customer-focused mindset. Prior knowledge of the SAP Concur travel & expense management system preferred. Must be able to research and provide data-based solutions and have the ability to implement. Spreadsheet and word processing skills are required, including ability to interpret and manipulate large volumes of data.

• Responsible for leading, and optimizing travel offerings, including the deployment, enhancement, and maintenance travel related suppliers/vendors, policy, technology and process elements.
• Work directly with travel vendors to solicit, evaluate, and negotiate favorable pricing and delivery terms and award contracts for travel-related purchases, such as airlines and hotels.
• Manage key vendor relationships serve as the University representative to travel agencies and credit card merchants.
• Provide internal controls and governance for all travel and expense workflows, related concepts and procedures, and adherence to policy. Institute and refine SMU’s travel programming, create efficiencies, and optimize usage/drive adoption to preferred travel partners.
• Serve as functional lead for travel and expense related technology solutions, including SAP Concur. Create and conduct training. Assist employees with report completion and compliance.
• Provide regular budget and travel utilization reports to management and developing reports for campus use based on specific areas of need.
• Assist with the buying function during peak periods.
  Qualifications