Sourcing Manager

PROCESS MANAGEMENT:

• Review meeting request and conducts meeting qualification call with client.

• Develop and implement program and profit/negotiation strategy to achieve best price and/or enhancement consideration with suppliers, supporting the specific needs of the client.

• Utilize knowledge of domestic and international destinations to recommend appropriate sites. Maintain knowledge of new destination options, value-priced destination options and promotional offerings.

• Gather all the information necessary to properly source and place an event on behalf of a client, including standard availability grids from designated technology tool.

• Initiate RFP process to secure appropriate room blocks, logistical event needs, and pricing from hotels and other suppliers.

• Qualify proposals to determine if appropriate and competitive.

• Negotiate and confirm critical program components with supplier(s) and team, utilizing basic terms and conditions, and/or modifying pre-existing master policies to meet individual client requirements.

• Meet client deadline providing availability grid based on client standards, and review with client and team.

• Track supplier option dates and follows-up with team members and suppliers of program status.

• Review all supplier contracts prior to finalization, ensure both program specific and generic terms and conditions are accurate and legally protective of both American Express M&E and the client, including attrition dates, cancellation policies, etc. Use appropriate authorization and addendum form to ensure consistency and accuracy.

• Conduct final negotiations with selected suppliers for best possible pricing and concessions to meet savings and spend expectations.

• Provide supplier with all appropriate documentation at sale notification including itinerary, supplier contracts, etc.

• Create meeting records in the designated meeting management system and complete all internal documentation for the program prior to turnover.

• May participate in program re-negotiations or cancellation negotiations, as required.

• Achieve appropriate benchmarking metrics as per client or company requirement.

• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Advise Meeting Management Team and customer of initial deposit requirement and secure payment.

• Responsible for accurate program forecasting and updating business management systems with accurate financial and estimated budget and cost savings information as needed.

• Maintain tracking information of all tentative, sold, and canceled programs in business program management system.

• Maintain accurate records, system input, and complete file management as outlined in American Express M&E and client policies and procedures.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

• Work closely with client to ensure program objectives are addressed, maintain open line of communication with client to ensure understanding of expectations and client satisfaction.

• Maintain open and on-going communication with team regarding supplier utilization, key negotiations, performance and unique programming ideas.

• Partner with third party suppliers to understand and negotiate their services as needed.

• May be requested to manage VIP negotiations.

OTHER:

• Work on special projects as assigned by the Operations Manager.

• Keep abreast of industry standards and trends related to responsibilities.

• Develop and maintain key client and supplier relationships

• Develop and maintain knowledge of technology and/or software solutions

• Handle multiple projects/demands effectively

• May require travel to destinations worldwide, in support of client site inspections.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in project, event or meeting management, at least 2 of which are in procurement required

• 4-year degree preferred

• CMP designation preferred

• Experience in hotel buying required

• Proven negotiation skills

• Knowledge of domestic hotels and destinations required, international a plus

• Knowledge of travel supplier operations, overall capabilities/range of services

• Program management system experience preferred, especially with an online sourcing tool

• Understanding of and ability to effect win/win solutions

• Operations experience in hospitality industry or equivalent a plus

• Prior successful experience in developing and maintaining key client and supplier relationships

• Prior experience in effectively handling multiple projects/demands

• Strong knowledge of program/event management and budget maintenance

• Proven aptitude for technology and/or software solutions and analytical skills required.

• Ability to travel by airplane, boat, rail and/or car.

Computer Skills

• MS EXCEL - INTERMEDIATE - Required

• MS OUTLOOK - ADVANCED - Required

• MS POWERPOINT - INTERMEDIATE - Required

• MS WORD - INTERMEDIATE - Required

• WINDOWS - INTERMEDIATE - Required

Location

United States - North Carolina - Virtual Location

The US national annual base salary range for this position is from $46,000 to $93,000. The national range provided includes the base salary that GBT expects to pay for the role. Actual base salary will be based on factors including the scope and complexity of the role and the successful candidate's relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and work location.

In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for an annual Performance Based Incentive, which rewards participants based on company performance. For information about our comprehensive US benefits programs and eligibility, please review our Benefits-at-a-Glance document.

GBT 2023 Benefits-at-a-Glance (~~~)

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.

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American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) is the world's leading business partner for managed travel. We help companies and employees prosper by making sure travelers are present where and when it matters. We keep global business moving with the powerful backing of 16,000 travel professionals in more than 140 countries. Companies of all sizes, and in all places, rely on GBT to provide travel management services, organize meetings and events, and deliver business travel consulting.

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