Global Airline Manager - Vice President

Location: Jersey City, NJ, United States

Job Family: General Management & Ops

About the Role

As the Global Airline Manager - Vice President at JP Morgan Chase, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the firm's worldwide travel strategy, with a focus on airline and transport partnerships. Based in our state-of-the-art Jersey City, NJ office, you will lead efforts to optimize travel expenditures for our global workforce of over 250,000 employees, including investment bankers, traders, and client-facing professionals who travel extensively. Your leadership will drive significant cost savings—targeting 10-15% reductions annually—while enhancing employee satisfaction through seamless, reliable travel experiences. In this high-impact role within General Management & Operations, you will report to the Head of Corporate Travel and collaborate closely with Finance, Procurement, and Risk teams to ensure alignment with JP Morgan Chase's commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance in the financial services sector. Key to success in this position is your ability to forge strategic alliances with major global airlines such as Delta, United, and international carriers, negotiating terms that provide preferred routing, lounge access, and flexible fare structures tailored to the unpredictable schedules of financial services travel. You will leverage data analytics to forecast demand, identify inefficiencies, and implement innovative solutions like dynamic pricing models and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives that support our ESG goals. Additionally, you will manage a team of travel specialists, overseeing program implementation across regions including North America, EMEA, and APAC, while mitigating risks from events like supply chain disruptions or travel bans that could impact client meetings and deal executions. At JP Morgan Chase, we value innovation and employee well-being, offering a collaborative environment where your expertise can influence firm-wide strategies. This role demands a blend of strategic vision, analytical rigor, and interpersonal savvy to balance cost control with the premium service expectations of our high-stakes industry. Join us to contribute to a dynamic team that powers the world's leading financial institution, with opportunities for career advancement in our global operations network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global strategy for airline and transport partnerships to support JP Morgan Chase's travel program, focusing on cost efficiency and reliability
• Negotiate and manage contracts with key airline partners, ensuring competitive pricing and premium services for business travelers
• Analyze travel spend data to identify savings opportunities and implement initiatives that reduce overall costs by targeted percentages
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including HR, Finance, and Compliance teams, to align travel policies with firm-wide objectives and regulatory standards
• Monitor employee satisfaction through feedback mechanisms and enhance travel experiences to boost productivity and retention
• Lead the evaluation and integration of new transport technologies, such as digital booking tools and AI-driven route optimization
• Oversee risk management for global travel disruptions, including contingency planning for geopolitical events affecting financial services professionals
• Report on key performance metrics to senior leadership, providing insights on ROI from airline partnerships and strategic recommendations
• Foster relationships with external partners in the aviation and transport sectors to secure exclusive benefits for JP Morgan Chase employees

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in travel management, procurement, or airline industry operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record in negotiating and managing global contracts with major airlines and transport providers
• Strong understanding of financial services industry travel needs, including compliance with regulatory requirements like SEC and FINRA
• Experience in driving cost optimization strategies in a large-scale corporate environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a global setting
• Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools for travel spend forecasting

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or certification in Procurement (e.g., CPSM) or Travel Management (e.g., CTM)
• Prior experience working in a financial institution, ideally with exposure to investment banking travel demands
• Knowledge of sustainable travel practices and carbon offset programs relevant to corporate ESG goals
• International experience managing travel programs across multiple regions, including EMEA and APAC
• Familiarity with JP Morgan Chase's internal systems and travel platforms like Concur

Required Skills

• Strategic planning and execution
• Contract negotiation and vendor management
• Data analysis and financial modeling
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of travel industry regulations and compliance
• Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Concur)
• Risk assessment and crisis management
• Budgeting and cost optimization
• Communication and presentation skills
• Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PMP)
• Understanding of ESG and sustainability in travel
• Global cultural awareness and adaptability
• Analytical tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI
• Problem-solving in high-pressure environments
• Relationship building with C-suite executives

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans with low employee premiums
• 401(k) Savings Plan with up to 5% company match and immediate vesting
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and parental leave up to 16 weeks
• Annual performance-based bonuses and stock awards as part of total compensation
• Professional development programs, including tuition reimbursement and access to internal training at JP Morgan's learning centers
• Wellness initiatives with gym memberships, mental health support, and onsite fitness facilities in Jersey City
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options and global mobility support for career growth
• Employee discounts on travel, financial products, and partnerships with airlines through JP Morgan's corporate perks

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.