Category Manager, Travel & Meetings

Job Description This high-impact role supports the strategic sourcing, governance, and operational excellence of the company’s US based travel program. The travel category manager balances strategy creation, Request for Proposal (RFP) execution, and contract negotiations with a critical focus on the end-user experience, continuous process improvement and digital transformation. The ideal candidate will have well balanced travel category management experience with a focus on meetings & events.

Key Responsibilities :
- Develop and execute category plans for travel-related services (e.g. travel management company, airline, ground transportation, hotel, meetings & events, corporate card programs) and other shared services agreements as applicable.
- Lead RFP process for all travel and meetings & events suppliers ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regualtion (FAR) and federal reimbursement structures (e.g., Government Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates).
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop requirements for RFP processes.
- Partner with Legal, Security, and Insurable Risk to navigate contract language redlines, limitation of liability clauses, and “Duty of Care” requirements.
- Conduct supplier rationalization exercises and manage supplier relationships, including quarterly business reviews, KPI creation, performance monitoring and digitization.
- Source, contract, organize, plan the logistics for and participate in the Travel Working Group meetings with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Create/present quarterly briefings to senior leadership.
- Act as the primary travel supplier liaison, resolving specific travel and/or meetings/events disruptions for travelers/planners with suppliers.
- Utilize quantitative and qualitative data to drive improvements in supplier performance and service quality.
- Analyze travel data into actionable insights and report on travel program spend, cost savings and avoidance.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills Required Qualifications & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of category management within the meetings & events and/or travel industry
- Deep understanding of meetings/events and travel pricing, revenue management, and current trends in travel and meetings industries.
- Strong category management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Proven ability to drive program adoption and influence spend decisions using data-driven insights.
- Exceptional communication skills across diverse, cross-functional teams and external suppliers
- Advanced Microsoft 365 skills for data analysis and forecasting.
- Project management and ability to manage multiple high visibility projects and deadlines.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Experience or strong aptitude for utilizing automation tools to modernize business processes.
- Ability to work with diverse, cross-functional, global teams.
- Experience with airline, hotel and meetings/events consulting and planning, data analysis, pricing and revenue management.
- Familiarity with industry-standard tools (e.g., Concur, iValua, Coupa, Lanyon, Cvent, ReadyBid, Groupize).
- Knowledge of current market trends, best practices, and contracting models
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Experience in the Aerospace & Defense industry.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $97157 - $165167

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.