Manager, Travel & Expense Program

About the role

Sysmex, headquartered in Kobe, Japan with a presence in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is a global leader in innovative diagnostic equipment and information-management systems. We are seeking a Travel & Expense Program Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's Travel & Expense (T&E) program across the Americas region (North and South Americas). This role drives operational excellence, policy governance, compliance, cost optimization, and continuous improvement to enhance program effectiveness and support business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and enhance the organization's regional Travel & Expense (T&E) program, ensuring efficient operations and a positive employee experience.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for T&E policies, systems, controls, and compliance; maintain and update the T&E Policy to align with company guidelines, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Partner cross-functionally with procurement, internal stakeholders, and service providers to manage performance, support contracts, resolve operational issues, and maximize rebates.
• Develop, analyze, and deliver operational, financial, and performance reporting for FP&A, senior leadership, and other stakeholders, including KPI tracking, spend analysis, trend reporting, and policy compliance.
• Identify process improvement opportunities through analysis of expense data, policy exceptions, and operational performance; implement enhancements to strengthen efficiency and controls.
• Oversee the accuracy and maintenance of T&E-related documentation, internal resources, and system processes to ensure timely processing and reporting.
• Develop and deliver training, onboarding, and communications related to T&E policies, systems, and processes; provide ongoing guidance and support for expense processing and policy compliance.
• Support internal and external audits by responding to audit requests.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance the organization's T&E program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Mental/Cognitive Requirements: Moderate cognitive demands requiring sustained attention, ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing conditions, interpret information, solve problems, and make routine decisions.

Percentage of Travel: Occasional (11–25%).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, or related field, or 7+ years of experience in corporate travel management, preferably in a global or enterprise environment.
• PMP, GBTA Global Travel Professional (GTP), or equivalent certifications are a plus.
• Strong knowledge of travel industry tools and platforms (e.g., Concur); experience with FinTech is a plus.
• Proven experience in vendor negotiation, policy development, and program analytics.
• Excellent communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in English (verbal and written).
• Experience with ERP software required (SAP preferred).
• Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of Concur or fintech T&E platforms is a plus.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $85,680 - $134,640. Within this range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

• Choice of health care plan (medical, vision, and dental insurance).
• Annual incentive bonus.
• Paid time off.
• Parental leave.
• Bereavement leave.
• 401(K) for all eligible employees.