Manager, Group Air Specialist

**Manager, Group Air Specialist - Remote**

**Position Overview**

***Manage and maintain all aspects of the group air department.

This can be either fully remote or hybrid position

**Essential Functions**:

- Develop an on-going training plan for staff to ensure quality of product knowledge. Ensure team is continuously updated and familiar with new airline policies.
- Train and assist Group Air Specialists in handling and costing group quotes to ensure competitive rates while maintaining maximum profitability.
- Oversees daily operations of Air Department
- Responsible for reviewing and updating the air process and procedures document, Assess and make recommendations for improving policies and procedures.
- Run weekly Air Department meeting
- Attend classes pertaining to changes in software and enhancements
- Analyze productivity, monitor and adjust workloads of air specialists
- Liaise with other departments to ensure smooth operation of all groups.
- Create a positive, supportive work environment.
- Conduct annual performance appraisals and goal setting for direct reports.
- Initiate performance improvement plans when necessary
- Personally manage specific client projects including associated air extension requests.
- Liaise with SVP Business Development, Account Executives & Product team to determine viable destinations for Proposals and Bids. (Provide air lift viability and feasibility to client budget)
- Attend Project Team meetings as required, with Account Executives, Program Managers, Program Specialists and Clients to ensure that all air arrangements are as requested and at the best possible rates and routings.
- Attend client presentations for major bids as appropriate. Attend client meetings during program operations as may be required.
- Recruit, interview, hire and train group air specialists - Full time or Contract
- Manage vacation, lieu time for direct reports
- Negotiate and utilize group fares, net contracted fare (TC fares), zone fares, convention rates
- Adhere to Creative Group /Direct Travel booking requirements. GDS vs Airline website as necessary
- Maintain excellent business relations with airline suppliers.
- Source & negotiate private charters where suitable.
- Personally arrange air travel schedules for VIP’s if requested
- Review Arrival & Departure Manifests to facilitate ground transportation or direct assigned staff accordingly.
- Book and prepay overnight hotels (of room blocks less than 10).
- Collect payments from individuals for personal travel extensions. (Air & Fees)
- Review and prepare final air reconciliation for clients upon completion of group travel or direct assigned staff accordingly.
- Flight monitoring for specific client programs on weekends, after hours or assigning team members accordingly.
- Communicate with Onsite travel staff on status of any arrival and departure issues
- Attend regular Creative Group Management Team meetings. Liaise and contribute as part of the Canadian Senior Management Team with SVP’S, Director of Accounting and Director Operations at meetings and ad hoc daily.

**Basic Qualifications**
- 5 years previous supervisory experience with knowledge of the travel industry
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience with Sabre (with groups as well as individual bookings)
- Valid TICO Management Certification required
- Excellent Communication skills both oral and written.
- Negotiation, problem solving & organizational skills
- Planning and Time management skills
- Interpersonal & adaptability skills
- Attention to detail and accountability
- Product knowledge in Sabre and/or any other GDS systems company may adapt. Cvent and CE3 knowledge is an asset
- Good command of the English Language (French would be an asset)

**Preferred Qualifications**
- Models behavior that reflects our organization’s Vision and Core Beliefs
- Excellent Communication skills both oral and written.
- Negotiation, problem solving & organizational skills
- Planning and Time management skills
- Interpersonal & adaptability skills
- Attention to detail and accountability
- Product knowledge in Sabre and/or any other GDS systems company may adapt. Cvent and CE3 knowledge is an asset
- Good command of the English Language (French would be an asset)

**Working Conditions**
- Must be able to work well under pressure and have ability to meet deadlines.
- Must be able to work flexible hours.
- Must have comprehensive understanding of departmental flow.
- Extensive computer work
- Attend business related functions
- Possible travel on site with clients/groups between 1-10 days in duration and can involve long hours
- On call flight monitoring which can involve long hours
- Work in the office a minimum of one day per week based on Creative Group policy as well as when required to by manager or supervisor
- Additional work from home days in exceptional circumstances to be approved by management
- Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer._

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