Group Air Manager

The Group Air Manager is responsible for overseeing the travel and air services provided for the Meetings + Incentive department’s clients and employees. This person will lead a team of group air specialists providing strategic direction for the department while upholding Cadence’s high standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leader

Manage schedules of full-time and part-time employees to maximize resources effectively and efficiently; forecast labor requirements and develop plans to ensure adequate coverage

Train, mentor, and guide direct reports while fostering a positive work environment

Provide daily support and problem solving for both customers and team

Identify, analyze, implement, and audit new technologies and processes for continual improvement

As required, serve as a groups dedicated agent booking air, ground and hotels within program parameters

Industry Relations

Negotiate contracts or rates with travel service providers, and remain accountable for maintaining contract deadlines

Serve as the internal subject matter expert on zone fares, air contracts, group air blocks, and general air knowledge making recommendations to clients based on program parameters

Travel to industry event(s) and/or educational/Familiarization trip opportunities as approved by management to further develop global product knowledge

Research current requirements for international travelers, including but not limited to passport and visas.

Develop and foster effective and positive working relationships with industry partners, specifically in airlines and hotels

 Administrative Tasks

Manage the production and distribution of program A&D manifests ensuring data integrity and timely distribution

Manage and audit the production of program final accounting in partnership with the Accounting department and the Account Manager

Manage back-office accounting and reporting based on specific program requirements

Responsible for the accurate entry and updating of financial forecasts in SalesForce

Process refunds and exchanges, as needed

Account Management

Establish and maintain client files and preferences

Take part in strategy, pricing, RFP development and presentations for new client opportunities, as

In collaboration with clients and Account Managers, develop program-specific travel policies that meet the program goals and budget constraints

Assess clients’ group flight needs and set up program-specific internal and client-facing procedures to

         successfully deliver a seamless attendee experience and support the program’s travel policy.

Develop air analyses and cost estimates to assist in the destination selection process

Required:

Minimum of (3) years working as an Air Supervisor, or comparable

Minimum of (5) years working as a Booking Agent

Advanced knowledge of legacy Sabre and growing knowledge of graphical Sabre

Advanced knowledge of group air contracts, zone fares, and airline rules + restrictions

Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications, specifically in Excel

Intermediate to advanced technical ability related to existing and emerging travel-related technology and

Working knowledge of quality control automation and implementation through back-office systems

Strong time management skills to ensure timely deliverables

Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to effectively communicate across disciplines, both internally and externally

Strong attention to detail and financial acumen

Ability to multitask and deliver results in a nebulous environment

Advanced solutions-oriented problem-solving skills that drive innovation and creative thinking

Extraordinary customer service skills

Preferred:

Familiarity with Cvent GDS integration, Prime Analytics, Grasp and ClientBase are bonuses

Experience working with and/or implementing online booking tools within group air

Experience working in SalesForce

Working knowledge of SafeToGo Duty of Care software