At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global event travel operations and unify teams for high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join Navan Events, a dynamic leader in the travel industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of event travel.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performance culture that values innovation and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming event travel operations on a global scale.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in travel operations management and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 113400 - 138600 £ per year.
About the Role
Meetings & Events for Navan Group is at a pivot point.
We are evolving from siloed organizations into a unified, global "Meetings & Events" powerhouse.
Our Operations need to build for the new future, where we deliver scaled, high quality managed services under the brand of Navan Events to our customers across the world.
This role oversees Event Travel operations and people globally, and will help us build and expand our presence in new markets.
The Senior Director, Global Event Travel is the single accountable leader for Navan and Reed & Mackay’s global event-air operation, encompassing both online, platform-enabled travel and offline, high-touch group-air services.
This leader will own the global strategy, operating model, and performance of Event Travel across online and offline air.
They will ensure consistently excellent operational delivery, and bring online and offline teams together under one operating model.
A central mandate is to expand the capabilities and adoption of Navan’s event-travel platform while preserving the specialist service required for complex, high-value, and high-risk travel programs.
What you'll do
- Lead a global organization of directors, managers, team leads, travel consultants, and coordinators.
Drive a High-Performance Culture that grows talent in-house and propels high performers further in their careers
- Dissolve the Reed & Mackay and Navan silos. Build a unified way of operating that makes the most of Navan technology and the Reed & Mackay expertise.
- Own service quality, commercial performance, workforce planning, operational transformation, and the partnership with Product and Engineering required to rebuild appropriate offline workflows on Navan infrastructure
- Define & implement the target state operating model for Event Travel.
Outline and document the People, Processes, and Systems that deliver Event Travel to our global customer base.
- Structure a global service delivery function that utilizes globally consistent tools and processes but empowers local decision making and experience.
- Ensure our tech stack enables operational scale rather than hindering it.
You aren't just a recipient of product updates; you are an agent of change for our platform and technology.
- Tell the ugly truths- you are a senior voice in the room.
We expect you to present a positive, "can-do" front to the team, while being ruthlessly honest with leadership about where we are failing and what it will cost to fix it.
Success means unifying two teams operating on different tech stacks and processes into a single high performing unit.
This requires a technology transformation where you partner with Navan’s Flights/Air Product & Engineering teams to build the right booking tools and capabilities so that we can manage customer Event travel through Navan.
Success means being close to the process and the metrics- continuously measuring and managing performance improvement so that the Event Travel team raises the bar for what client delivery looks like.
Most importantly, success means a unified team working together.
What we're looking for
- 10+ years of experience managing distributed travel operations teams across spans and layers
• Commercial ownership experience
operating budget, gross margin/contribution margin, forecasting, pricing, capacity forecasting, cost-to-serve and productivity
- Track record of building Product and Operations partnerships that produced measurable improvements in automation, service, and profitability
- Data-driven and disciplined about operating performance
- Thorough knowledge of the travel industry, fares, suppliers, and markets
- Familiarity with air booking tools and fulfillment systems
- Skilled at leading through organizational and technology change
Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events in London employer: Navan
At Navan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Competitive Intelligence & Strategy team plays a crucial role in driving market growth, and we offer ample opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. Located in a vibrant area, our employees enjoy a supportive environment that encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events in London
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like Navan who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like Navan and give you a leg up for your Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events role at Navan.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events position at Navan.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of Navan.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to Navan's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Senior Director of Event Travel, Navan Events.
How to prepare for a job interview at Navan
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at Navan.
