The Role
Lead end-to-end corporate travel, air transportation, protocol and guest accommodation operations across multiple Nigerian locations. Develop travel policies and governance, negotiate airline/hotel contracts, manage a USD ~20M travel budget, lead a 30-person team, ensure HSE compliance, vendor SLAs, regulatory interface, and deliver cost savings, operational continuity and VIP protocol services.
Summary Generated by Built In
SERVICE DIMENSIONS
- This position provides comprehensive end-to-end management of all corporate travel, air transportation, protocol services and guest accommodation operations across all Company's EP Nigeria locations (majorly Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja), directly enabling business continuity and operational excellence.
- The role holder exercises significant autonomous decision-making authority in developing and implementing travel management strategies, policies and governance frameworks that optimize service delivery, ensure staff welfare and productivity, achieve substantial cost efficiencies, and maintain strict compliance with Company standards, HSE requirements and regulatory obligations.
- As the primary authority for travel and protocol operations, the position requires advanced stakeholder management capabilities to influence and coordinate with senior executives, government agencies, airlines, hotels and service providers, ensuring seamless support to the company's core business objectives.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct budgetary control and cost optimization responsibility for annual expenditure of approximately USD 20 million comprising: International flight tickets (~USD 10M), Domestic flight tickets (~USD 1.6M), and Guest accommodation (~USD 8.45M). Accountable for negotiating in liaison with the Contracts team, commercial agreements, achieving cost savings targets, and ensuring value-for-money in all procurement decisions.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:
Direct leadership and performance management of 30 personnel: 5 pensionable staff and 25 contracted personnel (Labour & TAS categories) comprising 2 Travels & Protocol Supervisors, 2 Interface Coordinators, 8 Travel Officers, 10 Protocol Officers, 3 Travels Clerks, 1 Logistics Officer, and 4 indirect contractor personnel. Full accountability for team development, succession planning and capability building.
OPERATIONAL SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY:
- Strategic management of 51,000+ annual guest accommodation nights across 127 guest rooms (Eko Tower 2 Lagos and Total Village PHC) and 17+ external hotels
- Procurement and administration of 1,800+ international flight tickets annually across 13 international airlines (including Air France and Lufthansa corporate agreements) and 2 travel agencies
- Coordination of 15,000+ domestic flight bookings annually across 3 local airlines
- Protocol services management for 25,000+ passengers annually with 8,400+ airport facilitations
- Contract governance for multiple airline agreements, hotel contracts and travel agency partnerships
- Regulatory interface management with FAAN, APS, NCAA, NIS, NDLEA, NAQS, DSS and other government agencies
ACTIVITIES
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE:
- Develop, implement and continuously improve travel management policies, procedures and governance frameworks aligned with corporate objectives and industry best practices
- Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for service delivery, cost efficiency and customer satisfaction, providing strategic recommendations to senior management
- Lead cross-functional coordination with all business entities to anticipate travel requirements, optimize resource allocation and ensure alignment with operational priorities
- Drive digital transformation initiatives including PTS and Mission Order applications to enhance operational efficiency and management reporting capabilities
COMMERCIAL AND VENDOR MANAGEMENT:
- Lead commercial negotiations with airlines, travel agencies and hotels to secure optimal pricing, service levels and contractual terms that deliver measurable cost savings
- Establish and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with all service providers, conducting regular performance reviews and implementing corrective actions where required
- Manage the full contract lifecycle for travel and accommodation agreements including tender evaluation, contract award, performance monitoring and renewal negotiations
- Conduct annual HSE audits of all hotels and accommodation facilities to ensure compliance with Company safety and hygiene standards
PROTOCOL AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT:
- Direct protocol operations ensuring VIP-standard services for executives, expatriates, partners and high-profile visitors at Lagos and Port Harcourt airports
- Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with senior officials at FAAN, Immigration, NCAA and other regulatory bodies to facilitate expedited clearance and resolve complex issues
- Coordinate logistics arrangements for major corporate events, ensuring seamless travel and accommodation for all participants including senior leadership and VIP guests
- Act as escalation point and decision-maker for complex travel issues, flight disruptions and emergency situations requiring immediate resolution
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE:
- Ensure all official missions for staff, contractors and guests are processed with accuracy, timeliness and in full compliance with Company travel policy
- Optimize guesthouse occupancy and hotel allocation through demand forecasting, capacity planning and dynamic resource management
- Maintain comprehensive traveler documentation and data analytics capabilities to support management decision-making and regulatory compliance
- Deputize for the Travels Manager as required, assuming full functional responsibility during absence
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Deliver measurable cost savings through strategic procurement, fare optimization and commercial negotiations while maintaining or improving service quality standards
- Ensure zero safety incidents related to travel and accommodation services through rigorous HSE compliance, vendor audits and continuous improvement initiatives
- Guarantee business continuity through robust contingency planning, real-time problem resolution and effective stakeholder communication during disruptions
- Maintain strong governance and internal control over all travel expenditure, vendor transactions and procurement activities in full compliance with Company rules and anti-corruption policies
- Sustain excellent relationships with airlines, hotels, travel agencies and regulatory bodies that enable preferential service levels and rapid issue resolution
- Provide timely, accurate and insightful performance reports, analytics and strategic recommendations to enable informed management decision-making
- Develop team capabilities and build succession pipeline through coaching, training and structured development programmes
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations, immigration requirements and aviation security protocols
Requirements
HSE OBJECTIVES
- Champion a strong HSE culture within the Travels and Protocol function, ensuring all personnel understand and fulfil their safety responsibilities
- Ensure all hotels and accommodation facilities meet Company HSE standards through systematic audits, risk assessments and corrective action tracking
- Implement and monitor compliance with travel safety procedures including journey management, emergency response protocols and incident reporting
- Familiarise self and team with Company's EP Nigeria emergency procedures, carrying out assigned responsibilities safely and reporting all incidents, unsafe acts or conditions
- Ensure all personnel under supervision are appropriately trained, competent and continuously monitored for HSE compliance
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- University degree in Business Administration, Management, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism or related discipline
- Minimum 10 years' experience in corporate travel management, hospitality or general services within a large multinational organisation, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
- Demonstrated expertise in commercial negotiations, contract management and vendor relationship management
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, cost control and procurement
- Excellent communication skills in English; French language proficiency is a significant advantage
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and travel management systems
- Proven ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgement under pressure and make rapid decisions with significant business impact
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all organisational levels and build productive external relationships
- Knowledge of aviation industry, airline operations and regulatory requirements is highly desirable
Skills Required
- University degree in Business Administration, Management, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism or related discipline
- Minimum 10 years' experience in corporate travel management, hospitality or general services within a large multinational organisation
- At least 3 years in a supervisory role
- Demonstrated expertise in commercial negotiations, contract management and vendor relationship management
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, cost control and procurement
- Excellent communication skills in English
- French language proficiency
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and travel management systems
- Proven ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgement under pressure and make rapid decisions
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence stakeholders and build external relationships
- Knowledge of aviation industry, airline operations and regulatory requirements
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The Company
What We Do
AEWA is a Nigerian leading consulting firm that provides specialized workforce solutions for companies across a variety of industries within West Africa, offering services including recruitment, outsourcing, global HR, and training.
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