Director, Travel Operations

Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale — tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters — to you, to your community, and to the world.

Progress starts with you.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Program Management

• Lead the global strategy execution and optimization of all travel operations and technology
• Collaborate with senior leaders across regions and functions to influence policy guide decision making and drive travel program maturity
• Develop and manage corporate wide travel strategies for Air Hotel Ground and Booking Travel Technology platforms
• Challenge the status quo by identifying opportunities building business cases and implementing transformative initiatives

Operational Excellence

• Manage day to day travel operations ensuring adherence to policy service delivery standards and duty of care requirements
• Lead and mentor regional travel leads and internal travel agents to ensure consistent execution worldwide
• Oversee traveler experience ensuring timely support issue resolution and high quality service

Technology Strategy and Innovation

• Oversee the full travel technology stack including OBTs GDS integrations reporting systems and automation tools
• Leverage AI driven tools and analytics to enhance traveler support streamline workflows and reduce costs
• Research evaluate and implement innovative technologies that elevate employee engagement and program efficiency
• Develop a consistent global data strategy for measurement analytics and performance tracking

Vendor and Supplier Management

• Own relationships with Travel Management Companies TMCs technology vendors GDS partners and payment expense providers
• Develop and execute supplier category strategies negotiate contracts SLAs and KPIs
• Monitor vendor performance against benchmarks and drive continuous improvement

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Finance HR Security Expense Global Mobility and other key groups to support company travel objectives
• Communicate program updates policy changes and technology enhancements through training newsletters and internal channels
• Act as a visible champion for change promoting agility collaboration and shared ownership across the organization

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager. 

Basic Qualifications:

• 10 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 8 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters/ MBA/JD/MD) or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 8-10 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6+ years of work experience with a PhD
• 10 years of experience in travel operations or corporate travel management including people leadership
• Strong understanding of GDS NDC OBT configuration analytics platforms and travel risk management
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise wide travel programs
• Deep understanding of travel math KPIs SLAs and performance metrics
• Proven negotiation experience with travel suppliers agencies and technology partners
• Strong relationship management skills and ability to influence senior leadership
• Ability to interpret data tell compelling stories through insights and drive strategic decisions

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for this position is 169,600 to 271,400 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.