Senior Manager, Travel & Expense Management

Chancellor's Office Statement Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Senior Manager, Travel & Expense Management. The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. Salary The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $125,004 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Work Arrangements THIS POSITION MAY BE LOCATED AT A CSU CAMPUS OR THE CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE IN LONG BEACH, CA. Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the designated reporting campus. Premium Benefits Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits Generous vacation plan 15 paid holidays a year Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members) Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) More details here: Comprehensive Benefits Package Classification Administrator II Position Information The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Senior Manager, Travel & Expense Management to be responsible for managing and directing the systemwide travel, expense reimbursement, and card programs, including related policies, system administration, and internal controls. This position leads initiatives to improve consistency and efficiency across the organization. Responsibilities Under the general direction of the Director, Finance & Budget Administration, the Senior Manager, Travel & Expense Management will perform duties as outlined below: Travel & Expense (T&E) Program Oversight Develop, communicate, and update the long-term plan for the T&E program and supporting systems.Establish systemwide standards for system performance, service delivery, user experience, and operational efficiency.Set direction and review processes for system configuration, integrations, and enhancements, consistent with organizational goals and technology plans.Review new technologies, tools, and industry practices and recommend updates to the program.Review and prioritize projects, including system upgrades, process improvements, and automation efforts.Develop and track program metrics (KPIs) and service level expectations; review trends and direct corrective actions through management.Coordinate the T&E program with financial, procurement, and operational plans across the organization.Plan for program growth and long-term staffing, system, and resource needs. Governance And Decision-Making Develop and maintain systemwide policies, procedures, and review processes for T&E program administration, system changes, data integrations, and operational controls.Review and approve significant policy changes, system enhancements, and exceptions with broad organizational impact.Assess program risks and ensure appropriate controls and monitoring procedures are in place.Oversee the design and effectiveness of internal controls to comply with regulatory, audit, and organizational requirements.Coordinate responses to audits, reviews, and compliance assessments; ensure timely correction of significant findings.Monitor compliance trends and new risks; initiate projects to strengthen controls and reduce exposure.Maintain data standards to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and appropriate system access controls.Prepare reports and analyses to keep leadership informed of program activities, risks, and compliance. Stakeholder Engagement And Strategic Development Build and maintain working relationships with senior leaders across Finance, Procurement, IT, HR, and other key functions.Prioritize systemwide initiatives, balancing competing demands, resource constraints, and risk considerationsCoordinate with business units to reach agreement on policy direction, system plans, and operational priorities.Recommend and implement process improvements and industry best practices in travel and expense management.Identify and lead projects to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and improve the user experience.Plan and oversee communication, training, and rollout activities for major system and policy changes.Prepare analyses, benchmarking, and recommendations to inform leadership decisions.Manage key supplier relationships and negotiations with travel suppliers to secure traveler benefits and discount programs. Team Development & Performance Management Supervise and direct Managers responsible for T&E operations, system administration, and user support.Set clear performance expectations and goals aligned with organizational priorities.Plan staffing needs, team structure, and skill development.Coach, mentor, and develop direct reports, including preparing staff for future leadership roles.Promote accountability, collaboration, and ongoing improvement across the team.Ensure team structure, skills, and resources support both current operations and future needs.Oversee development of training plans and documentation practices to build team knowledge.Develop staff engagement and retention plans to maintain an effective team. Qualifications This position requires: Bachelor's degree from accredited four-year college or university required, or equivalent training and work experience with configuration and improvement of system administration, policies, procedures, practices, or programs.6+ years of related work experience in travel and expense management required.Working knowledge of Concur and related systems sufficient to guide system strategy, evaluate solutions, and oversee technical decision-making.Ability to evaluate, guide, and provide strategic direction on Concur system configuration (Travel, Request, Expense) and maintain data integrity.Demonstrated team leadership and functional expertise in global travel, corporate credit card programs, and expense reconciliation workflows.Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate strategic vision, drive organizational change, and align programs with long-term institutional goals.Proven experience establishing governance frameworks, policy standards, and internal control structures for complex, multi-stakeholder programs.Ability to anticipate problems, address them proactively, and develop appropriate recommendations leading to solutions.Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and outside regulations pertaining to travel and expense programs.Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with experience using program metrics and KPIs to drive accountability and continuous improvement.Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information in written or presentation form.Experience building and leading operations teams in fast-paced environments with significant financial responsibility.Self-motivated leader able to work independently and as part of a team across decentralized organizations. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree (MBA/MS).Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP) from National Association of Procurement Card Professionals.Concur Administration knowledge and experience with full life cycle implementation and/or several years of maintenance experience.Familiarity with PeopleSoft CFS environment.Experience in Accounting, Finance, or Information Technology.Familiarity with data analytics tools and data-driven program management.Knowledge of global travel and expense best practices and leading technologies.Experience with Lean methodology and process improvement frameworks. Application Period Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 19, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. How To Apply Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application. Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at (562) 951-4070. Title IX Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix E-Verify This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS)' in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS). COVID19 Vaccination Policy Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Mandated Reporter Per CANRA The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Conflict of Interest The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter. CSU Out of State Employment Policy California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. Background The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position. Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.