Global Travel Director

This is a Full Time Job

The Role

The Global Travel Director will lead the development, execution, and oversight of the company's global travel program, ensuring safe, cost-effective, and seamless travel experiences for employees, executives, and guests across all locations. This leader will own the company's global travel policy and coordinate closely with Finance, HR, and Legal to ensure it is strategically aligned, fiscally responsible, compliant, and supportive of employee wellbeing. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, excellent vendor management skills, and experience navigating complex travel logistics in a dynamic business environment.

Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Oversight
• Own and evolve the global travel program, encompassing air, hotel, ground transportation, travel safety/security, and associated technologies.
• Develop travel strategies that reflect business priorities, traveler experience, and operational realities across global locations.
• Maintain and govern the global travel policy in close collaboration with Finance (cost control), HR (employee experience), and Legal/Risk (compliance and duty of care).
• Serve as the central point of coordination for policy development, updates, and communication.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Lead a cross-functional travel team that supports our Global business.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, including senior executives, department leads, HR, and Finance.
• Represent the travel function on steering committees, cross-functional workstreams, and key strategic initiatives.

Vendor & Contract Management
• Manage all aspects of the company's relationships with travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotel providers, ground transportation services, and travel technology platforms.
• Negotiate contracts and preferred rates while ensuring vendor compliance with service level agreements and safety/security expectations.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and drive continuous service improvements.

Travel Operations & Optimization
• Oversee the implementation and use of global travel booking and expense platforms (e.g., Concur, Navan).
• Identify and execute on cost-savings opportunities through vendor consolidation, travel pattern analysis, and policy adherence.
• Monitor global travel trends, technology advancements, and traveler satisfaction data to inform ongoing program improvements.

Risk, Compliance & Reporting
• Partner with Legal and Risk to ensure duty of care, insurance, and emergency protocols are embedded in travel practices.
• Provide regular reporting on travel spend, vendor utilization, and policy compliance to leadership.
• Implement traveler communication and education campaigns in partnership with HR and Internal Comms.

Requirements
• 10+ years of experience in global or corporate travel management, with 5+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success managing global travel programs and policy governance in a matrixed organization.
• Proven experience in vendor negotiation, contract management, and oversight of travel platforms.
• Deep understanding of corporate travel tools and systems (e.g., Concur, SAP, Egencia, Navan).
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; travel management certifications (e.g., GBTA) strongly preferred.
• Industry experience in entertainment, media, or professional services is a plus.

Location

This role is onsite Monday through Thursday in our Los Angeles offices and work remotely on Fridays.