New

Category Operations Manager - Lodging

McKinsey & Company
parental leave, paid time off
United States, New Jersey, Newark
Jan 16, 2025
Procurement Category Operations Manager - Lodging Job ID: 94379 Do you want to work on complex and pressing challenges-the kind that bring together curious, ambitious, and determined leaders who strive to become better every day? If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place. Who You'll Work With You will be part of the McKinsey Optimize function that delivers distinctive, positive and productive experiences through various services ranging from travel, events, real estate, sourcing, technology and purchasing. You will work closely with the wider Travel Team and Optimize departments, as well as leadership in North America and colleagues in other functions across the globe. Optimize Travel is responsible for setting the strategy for - and managing the operations of McKinsey's global travel program. Our vision is to bring people together to create positive enduring change in the world. We do this by designing a global and scalable travel program that harnesses innovation to deliver the best value for our firm while creating positive experiences for our colleagues. We empower colleagues to make informed travel decisions as they focus on delivering impact where it matters most. You will be based in one of our approved U.S. Office locations (New York City, New Jersey, Miramar FL, Tampa, Philadelphia, Atlanta or Washington DC) and report directly to the Global Lodging Program Lead based in Washington, DC. Your impact within our firm You will lead lodging initiatives across the Americas region while supporting global strategic projects, with a focus on program optimization, value creation, and risk management. As a key supplier relationship manager for assigned regions, you will conduct performance reviews, continuously improve terms and benefits, and represent the firm in lodging industry forums. In this role, you will spearhead innovative pricing strategies to maximize program flexibility and value. You will develop and execute market share optimization strategies across competing hotel brands to ensure competitive pricing and enhanced program benefits. You will provide subject matter expertise to support the implementation of direct hotel folio billing solutions, ensuring alignment with lodging program objectives and supplier capabilities. Additionally, you will help develop the strategic framework for simple meetings programs that align with our corporate lodging strategy, partnering with capability teams to ensure successful execution and cost efficiencies. You will establish comprehensive long-stay accommodation strategies to support extended project needs and relocations. Through strategic partnerships with Regional Travel Managers, you will drive travel initiatives and bring efficiencies to your assigned areas. You will collaborate closely with regional/office leaders, Finance, HR, Meetings & Events, Partners, Learning, Sustainability, and consulting leads to promote program adoption and maximize value. You will drive adoption of AI-powered booking tools to reinforce advance booking behaviors and optimize room rates. You will facilitate comprehensive supplier due diligence through platforms like Aravo to protect the firm from potential risks and ensure compliance with corporate standards. You will also analyze and refine city rate caps to maintain cost control while ensuring program competitiveness. Through targeted engagement with travelers and Executive Assistants, you will promote best practices in booking hotels, corporate apartments, and small meetings to drive positive behavioral changes and optimize lodging spend. As a key member of our global lodging team, you will enhance our accommodation program through strategic leadership of hotel partnerships and negotiations, delivering measurable savings through innovative pricing models and market share optimization. You will develop comprehensive lodging solutions spanning traditional hotels, extended stay properties, and simple meetings venues while ensuring robust risk management protocols are followed. Your role will focus on data-driven program optimization, leveraging AI tools and analytics to drive advance booking behaviors and rate optimization. You will implement automated solutions for direct billing and expense reconciliation, improving both traveler experience and financial controls. You will strengthen the firm's risk management position through thorough supplier due diligence and continuous monitoring of compliance metrics. Success in this role requires creating scalable frameworks that balance global lodging standards with regional market dynamics and specific business unit requirements, while fostering cross-functional collaboration to increase program adoption and drive measurable improvements in cost efficiency, risk mitigation, and traveler satisfaction. Your qualifications and skills 7+ years of experience in corporate travel management, with 3-5 years specifically focused on hotel program management or related fields Demonstrated expertise in hotel sourcing strategies, including experience with dynamic pricing models, NLRA, and chainwide agreements Proven track record of successful hotel partner relationship management, annual RFP execution, and supplier risk management Advanced analytical capabilities, including experience with hotel rate benchmarking tools, due diligence platforms, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights Exceptional stakeholder management skills and demonstrated ability to influence at all levels of an organization Hotel industry background, preferably in sales, with strong understanding of revenue management practices at property level Experience implementing direct hotel billing solutions and simple meetings programs Knowledge of extended stay accommodation market and corporate housing solutions Experience with industry tools including Cvent transient RFP modules, TripBam rate monitoring platform, and AI-powered booking tools such as SkyLink Experience with supplier due diligence processes and risk management platforms like Aravo Project management certification or equivalent practical experience Background in consulting or professional services environment Experience working in a global, matrix organization Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues. Apply Now Apply Later FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. For new joiners for this role in the United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, a reasonable estimated range is $103,100 - $169,200 USD -to help you understand what you can expect. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest [salary/hourly wages] for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off. FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites. Job Skill Group - N/A Job Skill Code - TROM - Travel Operations Manager Function - Industry - Travel, Transport & Logistics Post to LinkedIn - Yes Posted to LinkedIn Date - Thu Jan 16 00:00:00 GMT 2025 LinkedIn Posting City - Washington DC LinkedIn Posting State/Province - District of Columbia LinkedIn Posting Country - United States LinkedIn Job Title - Category Operations Manager - Lodging LinkedIn Function - Management;Project Management LinkedIn Industry - Hospitality;Leisure, Travel & Tourism LinkedIn Seniority Level - Mid-Senior level