Travel Manager

Jump Trading Group is committed to world class research. We empower exceptional talents in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science to seek scientific boundaries, push through them, and apply cutting edge research to global financial markets. Our culture is unique. Constant innovation requires fearlessness, creativity, intellectual honesty, and a relentless competitive streak. We believe in winning together and unlocking unique individual talent by incenting collaboration and mutual respect. At Jump, research outcomes drive more than superior risk adjusted returns. We design, develop, and deploy technologies that change our world, fund start-ups across industries, and partner with leading global research organizations and universities to solve problems.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Travel Manager to join our Chicago office. In this role, you will partner with the Global Workplace Services and People Ops teams to manage our high-volume travel program. The ideal candidate is a resourceful self-starter who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong collaboration skills across all levels of the organization, and takes initiative to recommend process improvements. 

What You'll Do: 

• Travel Policy Ownership – Implement and maintain firm travel policies in collaboration with the travel team and Director of Workplace Services; adjust as needed 
• Travel Training – Lead travel-related trainings (e.g., quarterly updates) and assist with change management
• Supplier Management – Build strong relationships with travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and vendors; negotiate competitive rates and services
• Team Leadership – Manage and mentor travel team members, fostering growth, collaboration, and high performance
• Data Analysis and Reporting – Analyze travel data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for operational improvements
• Traveler Support – Strategize on travel solutions for employees, candidates, relocations, guests, and consultants; troubleshoot issues and escalate when needed
• Process Improvement – Identify and implement efficiencies through process and workflow automation
• Internal Communication – Coordinate with Global Workplace Services, PeopleOps, and management to communicate traveler volume to ensure productive and enjoyable office visits
• Risk and Travel Updates – Monitor travel restrictions and communicate changes proactively with the firm
• Professional Development – Participate in webinars and trainings to enhance expertise in travel management
• Expense Management and Analysis – Collaborate with Accounting and the travel team to manage expenses, optimize payment solutions, and use expense tools to track travel spend and trends, providing actionable recommendations to the business
• Other duties as assigned or needed

Skills You’ll Need: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7+ years of experience managing corporate travel programs, including at least 2 years in a management role
• Proficiency with travel systems (e.g., Concur, GDS) and workplace tools (e.g., Confluence, Workday, JIRA)
• Experience in Travel Agency RFPs, implementations, and managing private jet suppliers and logistics 
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Tech-savvy with proven experience in workflow automation and process improvement
• Proven project management skills and creative problem-solving abilities with adaptability to change
• Effective communication skills, with experience collaborating across management levels, functions, and regions
• Ability to operate independently while handling ad hoc situations
• Strong customer service orientation, professional appearance, and a sense of humor
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Genuine curiosity, empathy, and desire to learn and grow
• Reliable and predictable availability, including the ability to be onsite 5 days per week and evening/weekend availability as needed