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