Category Manager (Travel Program)

About the role

Act as lead for assigned Procurement projects and sourcing categories. Oversee specific projects and sourcing categories by providing leadership to team members in strategic areas including sourcing, procurement, contracts, supplier relationship management, inventory management and material standardization. Develop, negotiate, execute and maintain strategic sourcing agreements for materials, equipment and/or services used by AEP internal customers. Identify cost reduction opportunities and capture real Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings by aggregating sourcing volumes. Manage project-driven sourcing activities for high-spend, high-impact, often complex categories across multiple business unit stakeholders. Develop and implement strategies to achieve corporate savings goals. Establish effective relationships and work collaboratively with Business Unit customers and suppliers to maintain customer satisfaction. Interface with Business Unit leadership to report ongoing progress to goals. Champion new initiatives that support shared business objectives, support business unit partner's needs, and enable the company to efficiently operate in a competitive and changing environment. Develop and manage metrics/measurements to record progress and actions related to program processes.

Responsibilities

• Enhance traveler experience through communications, training initiatives, and responding to internal traveler inquiries.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's travel program, policies, and procedures to align with business objectives and traveler needs.
• Manage relationships and performance of travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and other travel-related suppliers.
• Lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier review processes to optimize service levels, compliance, and total travel spend.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Supply Management/Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering or related fields of study.
• 5 years in Supply Chain / Fleet or related experience.

Skills

• Experience working with travel management companies (TMCs), online booking tools, and travel technology platforms.
• Familiarity with SAP Concur, American Express Global Business Travel, Navan, CWT, or similar travel management solutions.
• Experience leading travel technology implementations and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing a travel program for a large, multi-state organization.
• Strong change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Pay

Expected Salary Range: $117,000.00‑$127,000.00 per year (USD). Compensation Range: $116,255.00‑$151,132.50 (USD).