Overview:

Manages and participates in all aspects of travel Bank-wide, including commercial and chartered air travel, rail, lodging and accommodations, and ground transportation.  Manages the relationship between the Bank and its’ preferred hotel, rental car company and airline vendors, enforcing contracted pricing and adherence to terms while continually evaluating the marketplace to identify the best rates.  Ensures employees are satisfied with their travel experiences through feedback and proper follow-up.                     

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage and participate in daily operations of the Bank’s contracted travel management company, providing guidance and setting priorities for assigned staff as well as contracted travel agents to ensure corporate travel needs are met while adhering to terms of the agreement. 
• Ensure adherence to Travel Policy guidelines and report on violations; ensure proper execution and compliance with these policies.
• Lead the selection process of preferred vendor programs with hotels, rental car companies and airlines, negotiating directly with vendors to renew contracts; work with corporate Strategic Sourcing in the selection process for new regions. 
• Evaluate and approve travel-related exceptions for all employees.
• Continue to develop the Corporate Travel program, emphasizing industry best-practices and available technology to enhance program efficiency, while focusing on customer service to enhance individual business and leisure travel experiences.
• Prepare, monitor and execute the budget for the Corporate Travel and Shuttle cost centers; enforce proper spending in accordance with Bank policy.  
• Conduct site visits and inspections of hotels as required to ensure suitability for internal customer needs.
• Respond to on-demand Charter Aviation Services, overseeing approval process and invoicing.
• Adhere to applicable compliance/operational risk controls in accordance with Company or regulatory standards and policies, emphasizing Duty of Care and traveler safety.
• Create and manage data metrics to track supplier performance and cost-effectiveness of travel programs; analyze and report on Bank performance relative to peers and best-in-class practices. Seek avenues to enhance cost savings and efficiencies.

• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Design, implement, maintain and enhance internal controls to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

The position is the authority for travel and interacts with business units Bank-wide, to support, enforce and promote proper travel practices.  The position takes the lead and actively addresses travel-related issues regarding Business Continuity (disaster recovery, pandemic, etc.) and provides recommendations to senior management to adjust policies in response to such events.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

No. of Staff – 1

No. of Contracted Staff – up to 12

No. of Preferred Vendors - 75

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years’ proven travel-related experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 7 years’ higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 3 years’ proven travel-related experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ work leadership, supervisory and/or managerial experience
• Experience identifying process improvements and department efficiencies
• Strong negotiation skills
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Exceptional analytical skills
• Detail-oriented

           

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality/travel industry or related field such as Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, etc.
• Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) designation
• Project management experience
• Member of industry association, such as GBTA (Global Business Travel Association

Physical Requirements:

Ability and availability to travel 20 – 30% of the time

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $71,985.72 - $119,976.20 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America