Global Travel Program Director - Global Operations

Job Description

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is the leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, licensing, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, trademark licensing, and philanthropy.  Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world.  The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, and form a brand marketing services division, among other innovations.

The Role

The Global Travel Director will lead the development, execution, and oversight of the company’s global travel program, ensuring safe, cost-effective, and seamless travel experiences for employees, executives, and guests across all locations. This leader will own the company’s global travel policy and coordinate closely with Finance, HR, and Legal to ensure it is strategically aligned, fiscally responsible, compliant, and supportive of employee wellbeing. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, excellent vendor management skills, and experience navigating complex travel logistics in a dynamic business environment. 

Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Oversight 

• Own and evolve the global travel program, encompassing air, hotel, ground transportation, travel safety/security, and associated technologies. 

• Develop travel strategies that reflect business priorities, traveler experience, and operational realities across global locations. 

• Maintain and govern the global travel policy in close collaboration with Finance (cost control), HR (employee experience), and Legal/Risk (compliance and duty of care). 

• Serve as the central point of coordination for policy development, updates, and communication. 

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead a cross-functional travel team that supports our Global business. 

• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, including senior executives, department leads, HR, and Finance. 

• Represent the travel function on steering committees, cross-functional workstreams, and key strategic initiatives. 

Vendor & Contract Management 

• Manage all aspects of the company’s relationships with travel management companies (TMCs), airlines, hotel providers, ground transportation services, and travel technology platforms. 

• Negotiate contracts and preferred rates while ensuring vendor compliance with service level agreements and safety/security expectations. 

• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and drive continuous service improvements. 

Travel Operations & Optimization 

• Oversee the implementation and use of global travel booking and expense platforms (e.g., Concur, Navan). 

• Identify and execute on cost-savings opportunities through vendor consolidation, travel pattern analysis, and policy adherence. 

• Monitor global travel trends, technology advancements, and traveler satisfaction data to inform ongoing program improvements. 

Risk, Compliance & Reporting 

• Partner with Legal and Risk to ensure duty of care, insurance, and emergency protocols are embedded in travel practices. 

• Provide regular reporting on travel spend, vendor utilization, and policy compliance to leadership. 

• Implement traveler communication and education campaigns in partnership with HR and Internal Comms. 

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in global or corporate travel management, with 5+ years in a leadership capacity. 

• Demonstrated success managing global travel programs and policy governance in a matrixed organization. 

• Proven experience in vendor negotiation, contract management, and oversight of travel platforms. 

• Deep understanding of corporate travel tools and systems (e.g., Concur, SAP, Egencia, Navan). 

• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; travel management certifications (e.g., GBTA) strongly preferred. 

• Industry experience in entertainment, media, or professional services is a plus. 

Location

This role is onsite Monday through Thursday in our Los Angeles offices and work remotely on Fridays. 

Compensation

The annual base salary for this position is in the range of $184,000 - $212,000. This position is also eligible for benefits and a discretionary bonus. Ultimately, the salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, business sector, and geographic location, among other criteria. Please talk with a CAA Recruiter to learn more.

Creative Artists Agency, LLC (the “Company”) is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate on the basis of race (inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, gender or sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family and medical care leave status, military or veteran status, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, an employee’s or their dependent’s reproductive health decision making (e.g., the decision to use or access a particular drug, device or medical service), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The absence of a permanent address is not a bar to employment. The Company does not discriminate against individuals based on housing status, including the absence of a fixed address.The Company also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws with regard to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

CAA does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless they were contractually engaged by CAA to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any such employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the acknowledgement and agreement that CAA will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.