Senior Hospitality Manager (Travel Manager & Guest Support) (Contract)

Senior Hospitality Manager (Travel Manager & Guest Support) (Contract)Experience required to plan, budget, schedule, and manage all guest and staff travel logistics for a global client with FIFA World Cup sponsorship.LocationOur headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location can be flexible with priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (3 days a week in office) at one of our office locations: Stamford, CT; New York, NY; Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; and Miami, FL. We also consider a remote-based arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.ContractContract Dates: January to July 2026Contract Type: W-2 EmploymentResponsibilitiesOctagon is looking for an experienced Travel Manager to join a dynamic team working with a global client with sponsorships of the FIFA World Cup. The candidate must have relevant experience in the planning and delivery of inter-city travel management areas for a hospitality program. On behalf of our client, you'll be responsible for planning, budgeting, scheduling and managing all guest and staff travel logistics leading up to and during the event.Plan, book, and manage commercial flight itineraries across multiple U.S. cities for various guest groupsCoordinate complex, multi-leg travel schedules, ensuring alignment with event timelines and ground transport plansMaintain up-to-date passenger manifests, tracking flight changes, delays, and cancellationsWork with the vendor to monitor airline policies, group booking options, and fare structures to optimize travel budgetsComprehensive understanding of major U.S. city airportsMaintain accurate and up-to-date records of all movement details to ensure smooth operations and quick access to necessary information.Support on guests communications and serve as main point of contact for guests regarding all travel-related concerns, ensuring forward planning and proactive communication for any issues that may ariseMaintain financial tracker and provide detailed reconciliation files after eventKey ResponsibilitiesSupporting the Account Lead in the management, administration and delivery of program travel for guests and staff.Providing financial account support with client budget, contracts, invoicing, tracking, PO creation, and supplier payments.Collaboration across multiple departments including market communications and accommodation.Regularly monitor supplier's performance to ensure they meet agreed-upon service levels, including timelines, quality and guest satisfaction.Work with suppliers to resolve issues promptly, maintaining a high standard of guest experience.Foster a positive working relationship with the vendor and team members, ensuring open lines of communication and collaborative problem-solving.Manage a team — if required — and foster a positive atmosphere under pressure.QualificationsHas experience in travel logisticsEnjoys solving problems and finding creative solutions to difficult challengesFocused and performance-driven individual, who can think on their feet, use initiative and be comfortable working in a global environment, under pressure, and to tight deadlines but within a team environmentPatient, level-headed and cool under pressureHas exceptional attention to detail, time management and organizational skillsHas a flexible, 'can-do' attitude and can work some weekendsComfortable with a moderate amount of travel that will be required before the event, including nights and weekends when onsiteEnjoys working and being part of a big teamAdditional ExperienceHave previous experience in a travel management role at large-scale events with a demonstrable understanding of travel logisticsHave proven event experience with a track record of high attention to detail and organizational skills, staying focused on the task at hand ensuring nothing is missedHighly organized, dependable, and focused; nothing slips through the cracks under your watchCollaborative by nature - you enjoy helping others succeed and thrive in a team-focused cultureWillingness to work weekends, holidays, and non-traditional hours, as requiredMust be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the timeFlexibility and willingness to travel domestically, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%).Salary & BenefitsL4: This position pays an annualized rate of $82,000, and is not overtime-eligible.Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.J-18808-Ljbffr