Group Air Operations Specialist - Sabre - Remote

Job DescriptionJob Description

Group Air Operations Specialist – Sabre - Remote

  Embark on the next step in your career journey with Creative Group and Direct Travel!

As one of the fastest growing Travel Management Companies (TMC) in the world, Direct Travel is committed to reimagining what is possible for the industry, including business travel, personalized experiences, and meetings & events. Under the forward-thinking direction of our experienced leadership team, we are rapidly expanding and leveraging next- technologies to deliver on our vision for The Perfect Trip. This is your opportunity to grow your career and be part of a dynamic team that is setting the new standard of travel and service excellence. If you’re passionate about innovation and ready for what’s next, we’d love for you to join us!

Coordinates air travel arrangements for large incentive programs and business meetings. Applicant must be proficient in Sabre () or Apollo GDS. 

This may be a fully remote (based on distance to the office) or a hybrid (two days in the office) position.

If you are located within 50 miles of one of our office locations, you will be considered a hybrid employee – hybrid employees are in the office 2 days a week, and remote 3 days a week. You are considered Full-time Remote if you are outside the 50-mile office radius.

Office Locations are Appleton, WI., Schaumburg, IL.

Expedition Expectations  

• Provides the highest quality of customer service to participants.
• Follows all Creative Group Standard Operating procedures for group travel.
• Initiates preliminary air option to attendee for approval and does not ticket without consent.
• Confirms the most logical flight itinerary based on event parameters, best schedule, block space, and participant preference.
• Confirms best fares for group travel by utilizing the most applicable airfares, negotiated group blocks, and corporate discounts applicable to assigned program.
• Adheres to turn around time parameters for each client based on volume and destination. 
• Is responsible for managing and ticketing group Air Blocks in compliance with airline rules and regulations.
• Manages the overall program air budget throughout program planning and financial reconciliation post program.
• Ensures all Attendee PNR’s comply with Creative Group/ DT policy and process.
• Confirms personal air travel extensions for attendees and follows process for split bill to properly charge the participant and the program.
• Invoices online transactions charged to the corporate credit card, or participant in Sabre.
• Utilizes QC to complete ticketing, exchange, seat , or personal payment transactions.
• Manages the email process of sending participants’ electronic tickets in Sabre and via Direct2U. 
• Participates and provides ongoing air expertise in operational meetings when necessary
• Is available for “On Call”/Flight Assistance during main group travel dates to assist all participants if contracted to do so by client. This may include evenings and weekends. 
• Monitors flights and communicates with on-site travel staff of any arrival and departure issues during standard business hours, for all assigned programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

• If in a hybrid role, will work in the office two days per week based on Creative Group policy as well as when required to by manager or supervisor, unless the employee is in a full-time virtual situation. Additional work from home days in exceptional circumstances to be approved by management.
• Extensive computer work, including email communications, and also phone discussions.
• Attends business related functions.
• Possible travel on site with clients/groups between 1-10 days in duration and can involve long hours.
• On call flight monitoring which can involve evening or weekend hours
• Sitting for extended periods of time.

Passport to Success

• An Associates/Two-year College Degree or a combination of education and work experience required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working in the meetings and incentives industry, specifically coordinating group air travel arrangements.
• Firm knowledge of GDS system required; previous experience with SABRE is strongly .
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office365 Suite products, specifically Outlook, Word, Excel, Team, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Knowledge of Cvent systems is an asset and must be able to learn CE3 (a proprietary Creative Group system).

Going the Extra Mile

• Models behavior that reflects our organization’s Vision and Values.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills to be able to work cross-functionally, develop strong and positive internal and external relationships, and to deliver superior customer service derived from a spirit to help and serve others.
• Models a positive, solution-based approach and be flexible and open to change to be adaptable to program participants and other team members.
• Must be able to work autonomously, while thriving in a team environment.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to convey and express thoughts and ideas and to write emails with a professional tone. Strong English written and oral communication skills required for all Agents. For bilingual agents, strong English and French or English and Spanish communication skills both written and oral are required.
• Must be organized to be able to work on multiple projects and tasks, in various phases, simultaneously, meet deadlines and prioritize.
• Must be detailed oriented to be able to meet client’s and participants’ needs.
• Must be an active and discerning listener to identify participants’ needs.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality as required.

Benefits Onboard

In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support.

Our Brand Voyage:

About Direct Travel and Creative Group

A subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.  

Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. The company is led by CEO Christal Bemont and Executive Chairman Steve Singh, noted business investor and founder of Concur. Direct Travel has offices in over 80 locations and is currently ranked among the top providers of travel on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com.

Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer

If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel.