Global Travel Category Manager - Johnson Controls - Remote
(2024-01)
Lead global travel category strategy across TMC, online booking tool, airline, hotel, ground transportation, and travel technology programs.
- Managed global TMC/OBT sourcing process, including supplier evaluations, RFP analysis, pricing comparisons, executive presentations, stakeholder demos, and implementation planning.
- Partner with Legal, IT, Finance, HRIS, Security, Communications, and regional procurement teams to support supplier assessment, contract review, privacy/security requirements, and change readiness.
- Negotiate supplier commercial terms including transaction fees, implementation fees, account management support, VIP service, SLA/KPI remedies, regional servicing models, and contract flexibility.
- Build executive-ready summaries, scorecards, savings models, issue trackers, and decision materials to support global sourcing recommendations.
- Support travel program governance through supplier performance reviews, KPI/SLA tracking, issue escalation, savings validation, and continuous improvement planning.
- Partner with regional stakeholders across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM to align global travel strategy with local market needs, service expectations, content requirements, and implementation risks.
- Evaluate traveler experience, online adoption, content availability, low-cost carrier access, NDC capabilities, duty of care, reporting, and supplier technology integrations.
- Coordinate cross-functional implementation planning, including stakeholder alignment, communications, testing, transition readiness, and supplier accountability.
Sourcing Specialist - Edward Jones - St. Louis, MO (Remote)
(2021-10 - 2024-01)
- Provided over $5M in cost avoidance and savings across approximately 100 projects.
- Secured hotel partnerships for multiple terms with no more than 5% annual rate increases, no exclusivity, and improved attrition/cancellation terms for group bookings.
- Implemented scorecard and quarterly review process for preferred travel suppliers to support performance management and year-end negotiations.
- Onboarded 10 new suppliers to provide services and products to the firm.
- Negotiated hotel agreements to include auto-renewal language and price protection.
- Negotiated supplier contracts on behalf of business stakeholders, including indemnification, limitation of liability, confidentiality, and commercial terms.
- Partnered with business owners to define supplier requirements, project needs, timelines, and vendor engagement strategies.
- Coordinated across IT, Marketing, HR, Bank, Travel, and other business units to align requirements and sourcing project goals.
- Collaborated with senior leaders to manage sourcing objectives and distribute RFXs, RFPs, and RFQs.
- Maintained accurate records and data within contract management systems.
- Pursued opportunities to reduce product/service costs and support implementation of operational projects.
Regional Director of Sales - Jacaruso Enterprises Inc. - Austin, TX (Remote)
(2018-08 - 2021-10)
- Generated monthly revenue averaging $20,000 for each assigned property after one month of onboarding services.
- Captured a $75,000 project opportunity by creating a custom presentation for the client.
- Reestablished a pre-existing account after five years of no production, increasing rate by 5% and producing 100 room nights in the first month.
- Completed over 200 RFPs and was accepted into 164 hotel programs in 2019.
- Achieved 100% client satisfaction by focusing on attention to customer needs, response time, and concise expectation management.
- Identified demand generators utilizing internet research, competitive set analysis, and lead generation lists.
- Responded to incoming sales inquiries from properties and electronic channels within four business hours.
- Managed global and local RFP processes through monthly account audits and weekly connections with account decision-makers.
- Completed and managed group bookings and guest communication, including detailed turnover to onsite GM and sales staff.
- Enhanced brand websites and social media presence by researching client and competitive market outlets.
- Coached and mentored GMs and/or Directors of Sales through daily check-ins, weekly sales meetings, and monthly audits.
- Provided weekly activity recaps to clients and negotiated contract terms with each client.
Sales Manager - St. Charles Convention Center / Spectra Venue Management - St. Charles, MO
(2016-03 - 2018-08)
- Exceeded 2017 personal revenue goals by $168,000 (12%) after fostering client relationships and securing multi-year contracts.
- Captured a $100,000 client from a competitor by providing a fresh alternative and building strong client rapport.
- Pursued and captured a $100,000+ account after establishing contact with a key decision-maker at an industry tradeshow.
- Generated over 20,000 new hotel rooms and 27 conventions for the building and city.
- Achieved 75% client account retention by focusing on overall event experience and service quality.
- Increased sales revenue by booking $1.68M in association, government, and SMERF events, helping the Convention Center exceed budget for the 10th consecutive year.
- Generated and customized proposals, prepared contracts, led customer correspondence, supported site inspections, and managed operational details for booked business.
- Built relationships with new and existing customers through sales calls, FAM trips, trade shows, presentations, and site tours.
- Attended pre- and post-convention meetings to understand group needs, gather service feedback, and support event success.
- Partnered with area CVB liaison to identify new business and participate in FAM tours.
- Developed relationships with local professional associations and community members to expand customer base.
