As one of the leaders within the Meeting & Events Division of Direct Travel, the Director of Group Air for the Eastern Region will be responsible for driving the internal processes, strategy, and performance of the team.

As a leader in the Group Air space, you will guide the team through solutions and efficiencies while encouraging innovation within the department. You will provide leadership and direction necessary to engage and develop staff, manage costs, increase revenue, encourage innovation and cross-functional thinking, and maintain excellence in the delivery of service to clients. The Group air team currently manages air groups attending internal meetings, sales meetings, conventions, incentive travel, etc. for 10-700+ attendees.

This is a fully remote position.

Responsibilities

• 
  Departmental leader with proven "big picture" thinking and innovation capabilities to drive the strategic direction of the Group Air product offering.
• Possess the strategic vision but motivated to engage in the day-to-day operations to problem solve and support the business and team goals.
• Develop roadmap and growth strategy to expand this offering for the organization.
• Partners and collaborates with Directors of Business Development, Meeting Management and Event Technology to ensure consistent communications and a wholistic approach of the Direct Travel Brand, product offerings, servicing expectations and operations metrics.
• Engage with peers within the Corporate air teams to determine best practices withing the changing airline and travel industry.
• Serves as the Group Air SME for internal and external customers.
• Possess senior level problem-solving capabilities with demonstrated ability to proactively identify, capture and incorporate diverse data to develop client-centered recommendations.
• Responsible for departmental P/L and revenue forecasts while maintaining financial oversight for internal and external billing.
• Identifies competitive threats and emerging problems and offers swift solutions to preserve the integrity of relationships.
• Partner with Account Management on execution of annual business reviews with current customers.
• Partner with Operations Managers to develop standardized processes, templates, tools and efficiencies to ensure client satisfaction, retainment and opportunities for growth.
• Collaborates with other Directors and Managers in other areas of the DT global business to share best practices / standard procedures, identify opportunities, and work together to better serve the customer and engage the team.
• Reporting to the Vice President, M&E, this position has people management responsibilities of three existing Operations Managers (team leaders) and their corresponding teams.
• Build and grow team as necessary to support business needs
• Coach and mentor team in their professional development
• Stays abreast of industry trends, industry updates and competitive analysis of other event management companies and event organizers
• Implements necessary training and staff development to enhance the teams’ growth
• Adheres to DT’s travel and entertainment policy.
• This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or efforts associated

Travel Requirements: 5-10% to support client relationships and team management

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  Minimum of ten (10) years of group air management and large team leadership experience
• Extensive knowledge in GDS tools – SABRE or Apollo (one or both required)
• Must possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients, manage a team of people, adapt to different personalities, and work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively both internally and externally, write procedures and deliver training.
• Must possess excellent presentation skills to be able to participate in client presentations as needed.
• Must possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate problems, develop, and implement logical and effective solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in Cvent is preferred but not required.

Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer.

About Direct Travel

Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. The company has been providing travel management for over 40 years, working with clients to develop highly customized travel programs. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies and significant cost savings. Direct Travel has offices in over 70 locations across North America and the UK and is currently ranked 11th on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com.

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