Global Travel Manager

Title:

Global Travel Manager

KBR is a global leader in delivering technology-driven, mission-critical, and sustainable solutions that truly matter. For over a century, we have powered bold missions across defense, space, industry, and government through our two core business lines Mission Technology Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions. With nearly 38,000 talented people operating in more than 80 countries, we thrive on a culture built on safety, integrity, and teamwork. At KBR, we empower our people to solve the world’s toughest challenges and create lasting value for communities and the planet. We don’t just deliver results, we deliver game-changing solutions, innovative technology, deep domain expertise, and cutting-edge technologies.

KBR is seeking a Global Travel Manager in Houston, Texas to lead our Global Travel Services team and oversee the company's worldwide travel, meetings and events, corporate card, and purchasing card programs. This role is responsible for driving global travel strategy, supplier management, traveler safety, policy compliance, cost optimization, and program performance across multiple regions. The Global Travel Manager will lead a team of travel professionals while partnering with key stakeholders and suppliers to deliver a safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel experience that supports KBR's business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the global travel, meetings and events, corporate card, and purchasing card programs.
• Develop and execute travel program strategies that improve traveler experience, policy compliance, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Manage and continuously improve corporate travel policies, standards, procedures, and governance practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of travel, meetings and events, and card program professionals.
• Establish team priorities, performance objectives, resource planning strategies, and succession plans.
• Partner with Procurement to source, negotiate, and manage strategic supplier agreements with travel management companies, airlines, hotels, car rental providers, and commercial card providers.
• Own supplier performance management, service-level reviews, and vendor relationship governance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor global travel budgets, forecasts, savings initiatives, and spend optimization programs.
• Analyze travel data, supplier utilization, traveler behavior, and program performance metrics to support executive decision-making
• Partner with HSSE to ensure effective traveler tracking, emergency response protocols, and duty of care compliance.
• Oversee travel technology platforms, including online booking tools, traveler tracking systems, and expense integration processes.
• Drive automation, process improvement, and digital transformation initiatives across travel-related processes.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, Procurement, Legal, Security, and executive leadership to align travel strategies with business priorities.
• Support sustainability initiatives by implementing travel-related carbon reporting and environmentally responsible travel solutions.
• Lead communications and change management initiatives associated with travel policy or program changes.

Basic Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Travel Management, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of corporate travel management experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience managing travel programs, sourcing initiatives, or related operational teams.
• Experience negotiating and managing complex supplier contracts.
• Experience supporting multinational organizations and international travel operations.
• Experience managing travel budgets, program metrics, and strategic initiatives.

Professional Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Deep understanding of corporate travel management, sourcing, supplier management, and travel industry trends.
• Strong financial, analytical, and business acumen.
• Experience with travel management and expense platforms, including Concur Travel & Expense.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong stakeholder management abilities across all organizational levels.
• Proven project management and change leadership capabilities.
• Ability to leverage data and analytics to drive strategic decisions and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Global travel management experience within an engineering, construction, energy, defense, government services, or multinational organization.
• Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) certification or similar professional credential.
• Experience leading travel technology implementations or major process transformations.
• Experience supporting global sustainability initiatives and travel emissions reporting.

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.