Head of Travel Desk at Moniepoint Inc.

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Travel Desk to lead our travel services team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating all local and international travel arrangements, ensuring 24/7 coverage for business travellers, and managing travel expenses in line with company policies. This role demands a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a strong background in global travel management, expense reporting, and vendor negotiation.

What you will get to do:

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead and manage a high-performing team responsible for travel services such as flight bookings, hotel, visa, airport protocol services and tours.
• Develop and implement comprehensive travel and expense management strategies.
• Ensure round-the-clock coverage of travel services to avoid any downtimes for business travellers.
• Work with senior stakeholders to deliver the Global Travel Services agenda and strategy regionally.
• Undertaking any necessary duties to ensure a first-class service is provided at all times
• Oversee expense reporting and reimbursement processes.
• Monitor travel and expense budgets and manage costs effectively.
• Analyze travel and expense data to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize expenses.

Travel Coordination

• Oversee the booking and management of travel accommodations for employees.
• Ensure compliance with the company's travel policies and procedures.
• Manage immigration and cross-border compliance for short-term business travel.

Vendor Management 

• Negotiate contracts and rates with travel vendors and suppliers to secure the best deals.
• Manage relationships with travel service providers, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Source and manage travel suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and adherence to service level agreements.

Policy Development and Compliance 

• Develop and enforce travel and expense policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with legal regulations and industry standards
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to continually optimise travel and expense management strategies

Data Analysis and Reporting 

• Provide Regular reports on travel and expense metrics to senior management
• Utilise data analytics to drive decision-making and improve processes.
• Leverage technology for process optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

Collaboration and Communication 

• Collaborate with finance, HR, and other departments to streamline travel and expense processes.
• Communicate plans and strategies to different audiences effectively.
• Provide guidance and support to employees on travel and expense-related matters.
• Constantly communicating with all stakeholders to keep them updated, including attending meetings and preparing regular reports for the management team.

Innovation and Improvement 

• Drive innovation in travel and expense management processes and technologies.
• Lead change initiatives, especially in implementing new technologies or process improvements.
• Ensure the travel and expense team exhibits world-class relationship management with end users and senior stakeholders

Candidate Abilities & Personality requirements:

• An organised and assertive individual who is proactive, creative, and resourceful.
• An outstanding team player and self-starter, able to work with minimum supervision.
• Able to manage own time and prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met and targets achieved, and take personal responsibility for own work and actions.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for optimizing processes and driving cost efficiency
• Ability to navigate and make decisions in high-pressure situations
• Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders across multiple regions.
• Commitment to staying updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Able to work within a secure and confidential environment, maintain confidentiality and demonstrate tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Clear verbal communicator with excellent telephone manners.
• Able to develop excellent working relationships both internally and externally.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and a professional manner and approach at all times including an equable temperament and a neat appearance.
• Able to cope well when under pressure from competing priorities, unpredictable requests and interruptions.
• Keenly interested in the FinTech, travel, hospitality and logistics industries in Nigeria

Key Performance Indicators:

• Quality of specific deliverables.
• Internal customer satisfaction.
• Internal process quality

To Succeed in this role we think you should have:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in travel and expense management, with a focus on global operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Travel Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Experience in implementing cost-saving strategies and driving financial effectiveness.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in using travel expense management software and tools.
• Excellent negotiation skills for managing vendor relationships.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and budget management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in project management methodologies.
• Experienced Microsoft Office user, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Competent Internet, email and Google applications user.
• Sound knowledge of the Fin-Tech industry within Nigeria.