[Hiring] Group Air Manager @Cadence Travel

Role Description

The Group Air Manager is responsible for overseeing the travel and air services provided for the Meetings + Incentive department’s clients and employees. This person will lead a team of group air specialists providing strategic direction for the department while upholding Cadence’s high standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leader
  • Manage schedules of full-time and part-time employees to maximize resources effectively and efficiently; forecast labor requirements and develop plans to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Train, mentor, and guide direct reports while fostering a positive work environment.
  • Provide daily support and problem solving for both customers and team.
  • Identify, analyze, implement, and audit new technologies and processes for continual improvement.
  • As required, serve as a groups dedicated agent booking air, ground and hotels within program parameters.
• Industry Relations
  • Negotiate contracts or rates with travel service providers, and remain accountable for maintaining contract deadlines.
  • Serve as the internal subject matter expert on zone fares, air contracts, group air blocks, and general air knowledge making recommendations to clients based on program parameters.
  • Travel to industry event(s) and/or educational/Familiarization trip opportunities as approved by management to further develop global product knowledge.
  • Research current requirements for international travelers, including but not limited to passport and visas.
  • Develop and foster effective and positive working relationships with industry partners, specifically in airlines and hotels.
• Administrative Tasks
  • Manage the production and distribution of program A&D manifests ensuring data integrity and timely distribution.
  • Manage and audit the production of program final accounting in partnership with the Accounting department and the Account Manager.
  • Manage back-office accounting and reporting based on specific program requirements.
  • Responsible for the accurate entry and updating of financial forecasts in SalesForce.
  • Process refunds and exchanges, as needed.
• Account Management
  • Establish and maintain client files and preferences.
  • Take part in strategy, pricing, RFP development and presentations for new client opportunities.
  • In collaboration with clients and Account Managers, develop program-specific travel policies that meet the program goals and budget constraints.
  • Assess clients’ group flight needs and set up program-specific internal and client-facing procedures to successfully deliver a seamless attendee experience and support the program’s travel policy.
  • Develop air analyses and cost estimates to assist in the destination selection process.

Qualifications

• Minimum of (3) years working as an Air Supervisor, or comparable.
• Minimum of (5) years working as a Booking Agent.
• Advanced knowledge of legacy Sabre and growing knowledge of graphical Sabre.
• Advanced knowledge of group air contracts, zone fares, and airline rules + restrictions.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications, specifically in Excel.
• Intermediate to advanced technical ability related to existing and emerging travel-related technology.
• Working knowledge of quality control automation and implementation through back-office systems.
• Strong time management skills to ensure timely deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to effectively communicate across disciplines, both internally and externally.
• Strong attention to detail and financial acumen.
• Ability to multitask and deliver results in a nebulous environment.
• Advanced solutions-oriented problem-solving skills that drive innovation and creative thinking.
• Extraordinary customer service skills.

Preferred

• Familiarity with Cvent GDS integration, Prime Analytics, Grasp and ClientBase are bonuses.
• Experience working with and/or implementing online booking tools within group air.
• Experience working in SalesForce.
• Working knowledge of SafeToGo Duty of Care software.