Homeoffice Director, Global Corporate Travel at Harman

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN CorporateWe’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Corporate, you are integral to our company’s award-winning success.Enrich your managerial and organizational talents – from finance, quality, and supply chain to human resources, IT, sales, and strategyAugment your comprehensive skillset with expert training across decision-making, change management, leadership, and business developmentObtain 360-degree support throughout your career life cycle, from early-stage to seasoned leaderAbout the RoleThe Director of Global Corporate Travel serves as a key leadership role responsible for managing HARMAN’s global travel program across 33 countries. This position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional partners — including C-Suite and Divisional Leaders, HR, Finance, Procurement, and Security —  well as the cultivation of strategic relationships with external travel vendors.The Global Director will lead the development and execution of travel strategy, policy, and cost-optimization initiatives while ensuring compliance with local government regulations in every region. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this role oversees a global team of nine direct reports located in China, Germany, Hungary, India, and the United States.What You Will DoStrategic Leadership & Program Management:Design, implement, and lead the global travel strategy in alignment with the company’s overall business objectives.Drive ongoing enhancements to the travel program, focusing on efficiency, cost optimization, and traveler satisfaction.Oversee the evolution of the global travel program, including policy development, vendor partnerships, current technology and service delivery, to support changing business needs.Remain informed on emerging practices, innovations, new technologies and trends within the corporate travel management industry.Travel Policy & Compliance:Establish, enforce, and monitor corporate travel policies across all regions.Work closely with legal, finance, and risk management to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.Review and update travel policies regularly to align with business needs, employee satisfaction, and market conditions.Vendor Management & Partnerships:Develop and manage strategic relationships with global travel suppliers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, travel agencies, corporate card providers, duty of care partners, etc.), leading contract negotiations to achieve cost savings, ensure service quality, and maintain mutual compliance with contract performance standards.Conduct regular evaluations of travel providers to monitor performance, optimize service levels, control costs, and support business continuity.Stay informed of industry trends and organizational changes to identify, assess, and implement potential new suppliers or vendors that can enhance the Corporate Travel program.Budget & Cost Management:Support the management of HARMAN’s global travel budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and cost control measures.Implement strategies to reduce travel costs while maintaining employee satisfaction and safety.Monitor and report on global travel expenses, identify trends, and recommend actions to improve cost efficiency.Data Analytics & Reporting:Utilize data analytics to track and optimize travel spending, monitor policy compliance, and ensure the travel program meets financial and operational KPIs.Provide detailed reporting to senior management on travel performance, costs, and trends.Conduct post-trip analysis to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvements.Global Travel Operations & Service:Lead and manage a global team responsible for delivering travel services across multiple regions.Oversee day-to-day operational support for travelers, ensuring a seamless and safe travel experience.Maintain a traveler risk management program, ensuring safety and compliance with global travel regulations and policies.Team Leadership & Development:Lead and mentor a team of travel professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.Develop and deliver training programs to ensure consistent knowledge and adherence to travel policies across the organization.What You Need to Be SuccessfulBachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain, Hospitality, or a related field, or experience equivalence.5–10 years of progressive corporate travel management experience, including 3–4 years in a global leadership role.Industry-recognized credentials such as those from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Travel Risk Management are highly desirable.Demonstrated success in leading global teams and managing large-scale travel programs, with the ability to motivate, support, and recognize team contributions.Strong skills in vendor negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship building.Deep understanding of corporate travel policies, systems, and best practices, including duty-of-care frameworks and global travel risk management.Proficiency with enterprise travel and expense systems (e.g., Emburse, Sabre, online booking tools, AMEX@Work, supplier portals, hotel RFP platforms).Strong data analysis and management capabilities with the ability to convert insights into actionable strategies.Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration abilities.Proven ability to excel in fast-paced, dynamic, and global environments.Basic knowledge of website management and HTML.What is Nice to HaveYou are bilingual in other languages i.e., Spanish, Mandarin, German, etc.What Makes You EligibleA willingness to travel, if necessaryDue to the nature of global infrastructure, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.Successfully completing a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employmentWhat We OfferFlexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer locationAccess to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN UniversityCompetitive wellness benefitsTuition reimbursement“Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards programAn inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal developmentYou Belong HereHARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level TechnologyEver since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, !+++HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. 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