SR Corporate Travel Specialist

Join our team of more than 34,000 team members, supporting our members and communities in our Club Support Center, 235+ clubs and eight distribution centers. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers a collaborative and inclusive environment where all team members can learn, grow and be their authentic selves. Together, we’re committed to providing outstanding service and convenience to our members, helping them save on the products and services they need for their families and homes.

The Benefits of working at BJ’s

•        BJ’s pays weekly

•Eligible for free BJ's Inner Circle and Supplemental membership(s)*

•        Generous time off programs to support busy lifestyles* 

o Vacation, Personal, Holiday, Sick, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty

•        Benefit plans for your changing needs*

o Three medical plans**, Health Savings  Account (HSA), two dental plans, vision plan,flexible spending ​

•        401(k) plan with company match (must be at least 18 years old)

*eligibility requirements vary by position

**medical plans vary by location

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Sr Corporate Travel Specialist to ensure an effective corporate travel policy, drive continuous improvement of travel programs, and monitor traveling activity and programs.  This person will be the go-to person for any relevant matter from booking tickets to assistance with reconciling expenses to ensuring travel safety.

They should be strategic thinkers and able to create travel policies according to the company’s needs and have excellent people skills and organizational skills.  The travel specialist will work with travel partners to coordinate travel in a cost-effective manner while ensuring the safety of our team members.  The goal is to ensure employee travel is safe, organized and the corresponding expenses are recorded timely according to company policy. 

Job Responsibilities:

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with travel service providers, including Travel Management Company (TMC), hotels, car rental companies, and other travel agencies.
• Assist Strategic Procurement with contractual negotiations with travel company partnerships.
• Partner with TMC on contracts with hotels proactively before we start breaking ground on a new club so its ready way in advance of travel needs.
• Work with TMC to have contracted rates loaded to Concur.
• Track compliance with Travel agreements and evaluate vendor performance and ensure the best value for the company.
• Review travel partners to see where we need to add travel options-based travel activity.
• Manage unused tickets and travel credits from different travel partners.
• Help with onboarding travelers into programs to ensure BJ’s is receiving best rates with travel partners.

Travel Coordination:

• Oversee the booking and management of travel arrangements for Team Members that need help (Field, Group Bookings, Large Meetings, etc.).
• Provide support for complex travel plans and resolve any travel-related issues. (International Travel).
• Assist travelers with questions on booking travel plans.
• Open service tickets with TMC and Concur for any problems as needed.
• Handle ad hoc requests from the Executive Team and group travel as needed for new club operations.
• Assist with booking car rentals for hourly team members who are not in SAP Concur.
• Identifying areas of non-compliance with company policies and communicating with appropriate parties in a timely manner.

Expense & Risk Management:

• Monitor travel expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Follow-up with team members to ensure timely submission of expenses.
• Reclass club payout to the correct cost center where team members are traveling.
• Analyze travel data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present regular reports on travel spend, compliance, and performance metrics.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate travel-related risks, including safety, security, and health concerns.
• Stay informed about global events and provide guidance on travel advisories and restrictions.
• Research travel deals and evaluating prices and services.

Technology and Tools:

• Manage the travel software and tools to streamline booking and expense reporting
• Ensure employees have access to and are trained on the use of these tools.
• Review expense reports not passing the rules-based audits and identify why and take appropriate corrective action
• Stay informed about travel industry trends and best practices

Employee Communication and Support:

• Communicate travel policies and procedures to employees and provide training as needed.
• Offer support and assistance to employees with travel-related inquiries and issues.
• Resolve travel expense reports that did not pass the Verify audit and work with the traveler to correct.
• Help with any Concur Guest Booking issues for those not in Concur.

Requirements and Skils:

• Proven experience as corporate travel specialist
• Knowledge of domestic and international travel regulations, customs, and currencies
• Knowledge of T&E reporting and processing with SAP Concur Systems
• Working knowledge of MS Office and CTM/GDS solutions
• Well-organized and reliable with excellent communication (oral and written)
• An analytical mind with strong business acumen
• Customer-oriented approach with good communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Training in travel and tourism is a plus

This is a hybrid role. Tuesday through Thursday are in-office days at BJ's Club Support Center in Marlborough, MA and Monday and Friday are remote days.