Manager, Global Travel Applications Ipg
New York, NY

Job Description

The Global Travel Applications Manager is responsible for the full life cycle of development, including resource management, project management, prioritization/coordination of testing activities and deployment. Implement and adhere to defined production control and release management strategies and methodologies. Expertise and knowledge of the Travel Industry and the Business Application Service Providers in this Industry is a requirement for this position. Travel Business Applications experience in a Corporate Travel environment is preferred.

* Set direction and provide guidance for technical resources assuring business practical design, cost effective solutions and successful, on time delivery.


* Collaborates with business partners (e.g., customers, consultants, information technology (IT) colleagues, and Senior Management); identifies user requirements; assesses feasibility; analyzes costs/benefits; prioritizes projects, integrates activities to ensure successful implementation to improve business processes and support critical business strategies.


* Perform the role of subject-matter-expert (SME) for Travel Systems, Projects, and Initiatives.


* Develops and document the conceptual design/specifications for all Travel systems, Projects, and Initiatives. Validate and approve ISR's and work orders.


* Project lead for all departmental activities and deployments from inception, managing detailed timelines through and to roll out completion.


* Develop and ensure the adherence of testing strategies, entrance/exit criteria, and thresholds for all testing events.


* Lead the technical analysis of new system functionality requests from end users.


* Lead the technical analysis and implementation of application upgrades to the Travel systems.


* Develop and implement release management strategies and methodologies.


* Responsible for coordinating with travel services to ensure timely communications to end-users on system enhancements.


* Responsible for Vendor Management of outsourced Service Providers. Coordinate Analyze and debug system issues. Recommend & implement resolution


* Work with functional end-users and functional support individuals to diagnose and troubleshoot application issues.


* Coordinate with NA production support team and Travel Services to provide production support activities.


* Direct and manage the Global Travel Applications team on all aspects of user training, program implementations and system maintenance.


* Engage with internal GIS and Legal teams to observe and protect company information and data security throughout the corporate travel booking process, eg. CISO, GDPR.


* Recognize the operational differences of a global/market program, and manage the architecture required for the standardization of processes, eg. VAT, GST data capture and invoicing procedures.


* Ability to attend meetings/discussions outside of normal business hours, as needed.


* Engage with Department Leads on vendor contract analysis as required. Practice administration of vendor contracts and SLA's.


* Complete monthly reconciliation of vendor invoices and prepare annual budget projections.


* Assume other duties and responsibilities not specifically outlined herein, but which are logically and properly inherent to the position


* Bachelor's degree in Information System, Computer Science or equivalent.


* Strong leadership and motivational skills


* Good interpersonal skills and ability to use tact and diplomacy in difficult situations


* Excellent verbal and written communication skills


* Highest ethical and professional standards when dealing with employees, travelers and outside vendors


* Five to seven years Travel Industry experience with preference servicing a Corporate Travel Service environment.


* GDS knowledge; ability to read and modify a PNR, understand profile mapping and synchronization to travel profile and booking applications.


* Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.


* Five years' experience deploying on-line booking tools and profile tools.


* Three to five year experience with international on-line booking and profile deployments.


* Knowledge of Trondent Profile (er)


* Ability to travel several time per year as needed, for internal meetings, company visits, etc