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