Senior Travel Program Manager

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. 

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. 

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. 

SUMMARY:  

Responsible for all phases of the company’s travel program including, but not limited to, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the travel program; assisting employees with questions, education, or problem-solving; serving as the key point of contact for all travel partners; negotiating and managing vendor contracts; representing company in travel industry interactions; and supporting travel-related needs during company emergency operations.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overseeing travel arrangements made using approved corporate tools, provide guidance as needed and assistance with travel related issues that may arise
• Maintain and manage relationships with travel industry vendors, including participation in travel industry functions that further a consistent presence and active voice for the company
• Negotiate and manage travel agency, airline, hotel, car, long-term parking, external travel assistance, and meeting planner contracts and relationships
• Demonstrate knowledge of airline rules, regulations and procedures including international travel regulations 
• Be the Key contact for corporate travel policy updates and questions – to facilitate or distribute knowledge through available internal communications tools
• Advise on travel policy questions or clarifications to assist employees with education and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement of travel program
• Provide strategic insight into cost effective business travel
• Prepare and manage Travel budget, including monthly forecasting
• Track, code and approve invoices

EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in tourism, travel or hospitality - preferred

Travel Industry certifications are a plus

EXPERIENCE:

5 - 10 years corporate travel management experience

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and exercise discretion and independent judgement
• Able to utilize personal computer systems and software proficiently, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP and Coupa.
• Demonstrate Proficiency with using various travel industry software reporting tools including:
  • Travel agency ad hoc reporting tools such as BCD DecisionSource,
  • Concur Travel administrator tools as part of Concur administrator duties
  • Concur Travel Reports In T&E system and Concur Intelligence tool
  • Travel assistance supplier tools such as International SOS Travel Tracker
  • and Airline ad hoc reporting tools, including SWABiz and United Jetstream 
• Working knowledge of travel agency tools such as Sabre GDS, mid-office and back- office tools, and agency control reports to support change environment and trouble-shooting activities
• Exposure to emerging travel industry changes such as airline NDC (New Distribution Capability)
• Able to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Able to work independently through the use of initiative and self-motivation
• Able to manage multiple projects and prioritize
• Comfortable using skills to independently problem-solve, trouble-shoot, explore emerging issues, make quick but informed decisions, and fact-find for cost effective and necessary processes and tools that move travel program continuously forward 
• Must have a valid Texas driver license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner
• Able to hear oral communication either in person or on equipment such as telephone or mobile phone
• Able to view and operate a personal computer, either desktop or laptop, effectively for an extended period of time creating, composing and reviewing reports, documents, and spreadsheets
• Able to operate office equipment including telephone, mobile phone, photocopier, and calculator
• Able to reach, grasp and move items
• Able to bend, stoop, squat and/or kneel for an extended periods of time
• Able to sit, stand or walk for an extended period of time
• Able to operate a motor vehicle
• Able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Will require some business travel, local and domestic, which includes having and valid Texas driver license
• Able to work hours and days necessary to meet deadlines, solve immediate travel problems, or during emergency operations
• Able to work successfully in a fast-paced office environment, regardless of whether open office or private office emergency conditions.

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. 
 

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time 
Posting Start Date: 11/05/2025​
Posting End Date: 11/19/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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