[Hiring] Global Account Director @Direct Travel

Role Description

The Global Account Director is a strategic executive level business partner responsible for leading Direct Travel's largest and most complex global customer programs. This role serves as the trusted advisor and primary executive liaison between Direct Travel and key strategic customers, driving program excellence, profitability, and long-term partnership value. The Global Account Director owns the complete account relationship—from strategic planning and governance to implementation and optimization—while leading cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional service delivery and measurable business outcomes.

This is a fully remote position with ~25% travel to key customer locations and Direct Travel offices. To best support our customers and internal partners, this position requires regular availability during West Coast (Pacific Time) business hours. Candidates who are based in the Western U.S. or can reliably work Pacific Time business hours will be most successful in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field (or equivalent professional experience); MBA or other advanced business degree preferred.
• 12+ years of corporate travel, strategic account management, or enterprise account management experience, including significant experience managing large, complex global customer portfolios ($50M+).
• Proven success leading strategic global accounts across wholly owned and partner agency networks, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership, director-level, or strategic account role.
• Deep expertise in global travel program management, service delivery models, operational governance, corporate travel policy, and travel technology platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build trusted relationships with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders in complex, matrixed environments without direct authority.
• Strong understanding of the business travel ecosystem, including airlines, hospitality, travel management companies, and travel-specific automation and technology solutions.
• Experience managing strategically significant accounts, including programs with substantial travel spend and global operational complexity.
• Track record of driving customer growth, retention, profitability, service excellence, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Excellent strategic thinking, business acumen, analytical, and data interpretation skills, with the ability to translate insights into executive-level recommendations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and meeting facilitation skills.
• Experience with strategic account planning methodologies and disciplined account governance frameworks.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) and CRM platforms, including Salesforce.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple stakeholders, align cross-functional organizations, and navigate complex global operating environments.
• Comfortable participating in meetings across multiple time zones and willing to travel approximately 25% to support global customer programs.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and able to support the flexible schedule requirements of a global role.

Requirements

• Strategic Thinking – Ability to develop long-term vision and align customer and company objectives.
• Executive Presence – Credibility and confidence to engage at C-suite level.
• Relationship Building – Ability to establish trust and influence without direct authority.
• Business Acumen – Strong understanding of profitability, ROI, and financial management.
• Problem Solving – Creative, innovative approach to complex challenges.
• Leadership – Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive accountability.
• Communication – Clear, compelling communication with diverse audiences.
• Resilience – Ability to operate effectively under pressure in high-visibility role.

Benefits

• In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, Direct Travel offers a Total Rewards Package which includes Retirement Plans, Wellness, Rewards and Recognition, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support.

Company Description

Direct Travel is one of the fastest growing Travel Management Companies (TMC) in the world. Leveraging the expertise of its people and innovative technology solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program through superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. Direct Travel has offices globally and is currently ranked among the top providers on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com .

Direct Travel is an equal opportunity employer.