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Senior Program Manager - (Senior Meeting Planner) - Meetings & Events

 

Your Expedition (position overview)

 

The Senior Program Manager is the driving force behind exceptional client experience at Direct Travel. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of meetings and events from the first client conversation through final program close- managing relationships, timelines, budgets, vendors, and every detail in between.

This is a high-ownership, client-facing position that demands both strategic thinking and flawless execution. You will partner closely with internal teams across Group Air, Sourcing, and Technology to deliver programs that consistently exceed client expectations.

 

POSITION IS REMOTE.  

 

Passport to Success (Responsibilities)

 

Client Relationship Management: 

• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the full program lifecycle, building trusted, long-term relationships
• Consult with clients to define program goals, objectives, expectations, and success measures
• Stay current on industry trends to offer clients innovative, compelling concepts and creative solutions
• Understand each client's unique culture and adapt Direct Travel's services accordingly
• Lead client planning meetings and post-program debriefs to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement
• Manage a wide range of program types including pharmaceutical meetings, incentive programs, conferences, workshops, seminars, and trainings across multiple industries

Program Operations: 

• Oversee end-to-end program planning and execution, managing timelines, logistics, and all operational details
• Collaborate with internal teams during kickoff and maintain alignment from turnover through program close
• Lead client and supplier site inspections with professionalism and authority
• Negotiate and manage supplier and hotel contracts including room blocks, deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, and master accounts
• Act as the central liaison between clients, hotels, and all vendor partners
• Develop and communicate all program specifications and distribute post-program reporting to stakeholders

 Financial Management and Insights: 

• Build and manage comprehensive program budgets from inception through final reconciliation
• Understands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit 
• Track and report on cost savings, managing reconciliation, and oversee client invoicing throughout the program lifecycle

 Leadership & Team Development:

• Provide confident, composed leadership for both clients and the internal planning team
• Mentor Associate Program Managers through active coaching and ongoing feedback
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with Group Air, Sourcing, and Technology teams as required by each program
• Execute seamless on-site program management - implementing contingency plans, troubleshooting issues in real time, and directing travel staff
• Identify and share best practices and process improvements across the organization to raise the collective standard

Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Going the Extra Mile (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, Event Planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in meetings, events, or travel operations in a lead role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Adobe, and collaboration platforms including Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, and OneDrive
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on Cvent experience
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-faceted programs including sponsorships, trade shows, and speaker management
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to present to senior clients and stakeholders
• Experience with client invoicing, vendor payments, and corporate credit card reconciliation
• Strong time management skills - able to manage multiple programs simultaneously without losing detail
• Ability to actively listen, instill confidence in clients and colleagues, and problem-solve under pressure
• Must be authorized to work within the U.S. or Canada without restriction
• 10–20% travel required, including on-site program management
• Passion for the industry and a desire to grow

Preferred Qualifications

• Cvent certified
• Certification in Meeting Planner (CMP) is a plus 
• 3+ years of international program planning experience
• Pharma Planning Experience is a plus

Working Conditions 

• Ability and willingness to work extended hours and occasional weekends during peak program periods
• Availability during defined project working hours per program
• Travel expectations of 15–20%+ annually
• Frequent use of computer and office technology
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.; frequent sitting, standing, and walking

Embark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel!

 

As one of the fastest growing Travel Management Companies (TMC) in the world, Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management, leisure, and meetings and events services. We leverage the expertise of our people, where we enable our clients to derive the greatest value from their travel programs from our offerings of superior customer service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings.

 

Benefits Onboard

 

In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support.

 

Our Brand Voyage: About Direct Travel

 

Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. The company is led by CEO Christal Bemont and Executive Chairman Steve Singh, noted business investor and founder of Concur. Direct Travel has offices in over 80 locations and is currently ranked among the top providers of travel on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com.

 

Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer

 

If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel.