Global Travel & Events Operations Lead

Description:

We’re on the hunt for a highly organized, proactive, and data-driven Global Travel & Events Operations Lead to own and scale our global travel and events operations.

This role is responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and optimization of all company travel activities, from employee business trips and executive travel to global off-sites, meetups, and conferences.

Beyond execution, you will drive strategic planning, cost optimization, process improvements, compliance, and vendor management, with a strong focus on leveraging AI tools and automation to improve operational efficiency.

This is a highly cross-functional role that partners closely with department leaders worldwide.

In this role, you will:

• Own and lead all global employee and executive travel operations, including flights, accommodations, transportation, visas, and travel insurance.
• Plan and execute company travel, including off-sites, meetups, conferences, and strategic events worldwide.
• Partner cross-functionally with leaders across the company to promote proactive travel planning and reduce last-minute bookings.
• Manage travel vendors, negotiate agreements, and optimize supplier relationships.
• Own travel budgets, monitor spend, ensure compliance with travel policies, and identify cost-saving opportunities. 
• Build dashboards and reporting to support data-driven decisions and continuous improvement.
• Drive operational excellence by implementing AI tools, automation, and scalable travel processes.

• 3+ years of experience in Travel Management, Event Operations, Business Operations, or a similar role.
• Proven experience managing complex global travel programs, including flights, accommodations, ground transportation, meeting spaces, visas, and travel compliance.
• Assertive and confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders, challenge last-minute requests when needed, and drive proactive planning across teams.
• High-level English proficiency is a must; a native speaker is an advantage.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail. 
• Strong prioritization and execution skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.

Bonus Points:

• Experience in high-growth technology companies.
• Experience working with travel management platforms and expense systems.
• Passion for streamlining processes and optimizing workflows.
• Experience implementing AI tools and workflow automation solutions.