Head of Travel - Northampton, United Kingdom - Barclays

Description

Role Title: Head of Travel and Expense
Location: Northampton

What will you be doing
Travel and Expense Services, are responsible for the execution and delivery of the Barclays Group-wide Travel and Expense Policy. The team measures its success by ensuring that the Business Travel Management Programme is an ongoing plan of continuous improvement and creativity, thereby providing a competitive advantage to the company and ultimately its travellers. In addition to day-to-day operational processes, the team are responsible for Sourcing and supplier management of all travel suppliers, data and analytics, the employee expense and corporate card programmes, management of cross boarder compliance, and immigration management for short term business travel.

• Strategic Leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing the organisations travel, expense management and payment processes on a global scale.

• Detail oriented with a passion for optimising processes and driving cost efficiency.

• Developing and implementing policies to ensure efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements, managing expense reporting systems and optimizing payment channels.

• Plays a crucial role in negotiating contracts with travel vendors, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations, and driving innovation in travel and expense management processes and technologies.

• Work with senior stakeholders for approval and sign off to deliver the Global Travel Services agenda and strategy regionally.

• Developing and implementing travel and expense policies and procedures.

• Managing travel bookings and accommodations for employees.

• Overseeing expense reporting and reimbursement processes.

• Negotiating contracts and rates with travel vendors and suppliers.

• Monitoring travel and expense budgets and expenses.

• Ensuring compliance with company policies, legal regulations, and industry standards.

• Analysing travel and expense data to identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Providing guidance and support to employees on travel and expense-related matters.

• Collaborating with other departments, such as finance and HR, to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

• Keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices to optimize travel and expense management strategies.

• These key accountabilities play a crucial role in managing the travel and expense procurement process effectively and efficiently within an organization

• Ensuring self and Travel & Expense Team exhibit world class relationship management with end users of the service, and the senior stakeholder responsible for managing budgets.

• Able to collaborate with Senior Management of all lines of business and functions to discuss consumption / spend behaviours across all categories of travel and expense

• The Travel and Expense Director seen as: 'trusted business advisor' who clearly understands their BU/Functions priorities and strategic agenda; and

• Procurement to ensure delivery against their BU/Function and Procurement strategic agendas (and ensuring alignment of both)

• Leveraging relationships with senior stakeholders by –

• Obtaining buy in to Procurement agenda/strategy

• Communicating plans and strategy to different audiences as required

• Must work very closely with TC leads and Front Office business to drive plans that generate commercial value and execute against business strategy

What we're looking for

 Strong analytical skills, global market awareness and the ability to collaborate across departments are essential for success in this role.
 Proven ability to lead and inspire a global team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
 Strategic vision to guide the organisation in optimizing travel, expense, and payment processes.
 Strong understanding of financials principles and the ability to manage budgets effectively.
 Experience in implementing cost saving strategies and driving financial effectiveness.
 In-depth understanding of global travel markets, expense management service providers and payment solution partners.
 Ability to adapt strategies based on regional and industry specific nuances
 Proficient in negotiating contracts with travel vendors, expense management service providers and payment solution partners
 Skill in managing vendor relationships to ensure optimal services and cost-effectiveness.
 Expertise in developing and enforcing policies to ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulation.
 Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks in travel, expense and payment processes.
 Familiarity with the latest expense management tools, travel booking platforms and payment technologies.
 Ability to leverage technology for process optimization and data-driven decision making.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
 Ability to interpret data, identify trends and make informed decisions to improve processes and reduce cost.
 Proven experience in leading and managing change initiatives, especially in implementing new technologies or process improvements.
 Familiarity with regulations and standards related to sustainable business practices n the travel industry and how these can be incorporated within the travel and expense programe
 Focus on enhancing the overall employee and traveller experience through responsive and customer-centric service delivery.
 Ability to navigate and make decisions in high pressure situations, ensuring continuity in travel and payment operations
 Commitment to staying updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies and regulatory changes impacting travel, expense and payment management.
 Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders across multiple regions.
 Proficient in project management methodologies to oversee the implementation of new processes, technologies, and initiatives.

Skills that will help you in your role

• Experience in travel and expense management at a global level

• Strong knowledge of global travel regulations, tax requirements and accounting principles

• Proficient in understanding Airline Retailing Strategy.

• Experience in developing and implementing Group-wide and Business Unit focused travel and expense program management plans.

• Experience in managing a high performing team of middle/senior grade individuals.

• Proficient in using travel expense management software and tools.

• Demonstrable commercial expertise and experience

• Sound knowledge of Sourcing & Supplier Management policies and procedures

• Excellent commercial acumen and gravitas which builds confidence