Head of Travel Desk at Moniepoint Inc. (Formerly TeamApt 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.