Sr. Manager - Travel, Meetings and Events

Overview Sector Category manager for Travel category. Primary responsibility is to Lead Procurement strategy and initiatives for the Travel category across PepsiCo Beverage & Food businesses in AMENA, managing a total spend of $30MM (10,000 plus transactions) & 10 key supplier relations. (1) Executing category strategies, contract management and supplier relationship management, (2) Measuring and Improving Performance , (3) and Achieving Annual Plans and deliverables (4) Defining strategy on improving visa support service , developing suppliers for managing events , develop strategy for efficient management of ground transportation (5) Internal governance Responsibilities Work in close collaboration with key stakeholders including AMESA Leadership, Human Resources, Finance and GP, execute the category strategy for travel agencies, hotels, and airlines based on changing market conditions. Developing strategic policies and programs for corporate travel in line with the procurement policy & practices for events, visa support services, ground transportation (in close collaboration with the BU Procurement Team). Collaborate with Business, Sector & Global teams to develop synergies. Managing strong relationships with travel agencies, car rentals, hotels, event agencies, and airlines. Drive continuous improvement of travel programs by researching the travel industry and derive key insights. Negotiate contracts with travel service providers deals and evaluate prices and services inline with in-depth benchmarking and industry dynamics. Analyzing and preparing Leadership updates on travel spend. Work in close collaboration with Finance team in driving employee credit card programs and charges. Ensure compliance in all aspects of travel procedures. Establish Strong Governance and Review mechanism with all travel service partners for all markets under AMESA. Participate and lead cross-functional category team, using RACI model. Support adherence to Spendwise Policy for travel spend. Work closely with Sector & Global teams in Egypt, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia & UAE. Lead continuous improvement initiatives in the category spend from procurement perspective & leverage digital tools Analyze category spend and procurement processes to identify opportunities to optimize efficiency, process compliance, quality, and cost. Lead negotiations to drive sustainable win-win solutions and manage the ongoing supplier relationship. Lead the execution of required governance and process changes to ensure compliance to relevant policies. Develop and manage financial plans and forecasts for the category to ensure proper financial management and reporting of savings, expenses & cash flow improvements in accordance to PepsiCo guidelines. Qualifications University degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Finance or related field required. Min 7 years’ for experience with 3 to 5 years’ experience in Indirect Spend procurement or travel industry Excellent English required Experience in using advanced sourcing methodologies/tools. Experience of working in Multi-National Company. Experience of operating effectively in a matrix organisation. Experience of procurement/strategic sourcing in AMESA countries preferred (e.g Egypt, India) Skilled in managing a dispersed team of business stakeholders in different countries; strong influencing skills. High integrity: won’t compromise values to get results Leadership: eager to embrace and lead change, ability to manage in an ambiguous environment, consistently works against the right priorities Drive for Results: perseverant and resilient in the pursuit of objectives, willing to take on new challenges, works to resolve tough issues Strong communication: comfortable and effective communicating (verbal and written) with stakeholders internally and externally across all level Analytical: ability to analyze information to draw conclusions and find actionable solutions Highly Collaborative: works well with others, including internal and external stakeholders to deliver results and keeps others informed to avoid unnecessary surprises Inclusive: treats all people with respect and fairness, open to and respectful of others’ opinions and points of view Innovative: takes initiative to find ways to get better results, seeks and takes advantage of ideas, best practices and solutions developed elsewhere Results and action orientated – comfortable setting and delivering against bold, stretch targets Excellent language skills – English essential, both verbal and in writing. Comfortable working within complex matrix organization Able to communicate business strategies to suppliers as well as internal stakeholders Understands and manages key business drivers