Travel Specialist - (Remote) at Reed Smith LLP

Firm Information

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

Position Summary

The Travel Specialist is responsible for managing the international travel arrangements for an international law firm of approximately 3,000 personnel.  This position serves as the liaison with the Firm’s corporate travel provider, Lawyers Travel.

Essential Functions

• Responds accurately, appropriately, efficiently to handle incoming requests via multiple channels (i.e. phone, email, IM, etc.) through to completion. Uses the appropriate travel tools and systems, ie. Concur online booking tool, to complete requests.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the clients and provides active travel consultation, including providing travel details and finding most cost-effective and expendient means of travel. Provides the client with the required industry information, such as low fares, exchange costs and penalties. Offers solutions and anticipates needs.
• Searches for and confirms travel reservations for the clients.
• Provides resources and knowledge with respect to currency exchange rates, visas, passports, general travel advice and other international travel issues. 
• Interacts with Firm personnel, management and vendors to resolve client service issues.  Manage problem resolution for traveler issues and/or nonstandard procedures. Focuses on the resolution versus the cause of the problem.
• As appropriate, communicate business travel policies, monitors and assures compliance.
• Understands and accurately applies client travel policy and requirements to each interaction.
• Appropriately responds to clients inquiries and performs follow-up as needed and within the time frame promised to the client.
• Appropriately escalates issues and seeks assistance from colleagues and manager for resolutions to issues when appropriate.
• Develops rapport with clients and demonstrates empathy in interactions to diffuse emotions during adversity; validates and verbalizes understanding of client's needs.
• Willingly offers assistance to team members within and across teams.
• Employs positive language and word choices to avoid negative client reactions.Additional administravie duties including but no limited to unused ticket reports, firm credits, profile updates, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: High School Diploma, experience in travel and tourism or related professional discipline preferred.

Experience: Must have a minimum of three-to-five years demonstrated travel industry experience, preferably in a law firm or other service environment.

Skills: Must have a positive attitude, be proactive and client-service driven. The ability to resolve travel-related issues quickly and effectively and determine an appropriate course of action for the organization is required.  Strong time-management, problem solving, organizational, communication and written skills required.  Understanding, influencing and serving others are important attributes in this position. Must be flexible, have well developed interpersonal skills and be able to interact with employees at all levels of the firm as well as vendors and others outside the Firm. Must remain calm under pressure. Ability to adapt to global enviornment, including communication and cultural differences is essential.  Must be able to effectively manage multiple priorities and adapt to constantly changing priorities. Strong technology skills including travel/airline programs and Microsoft Office suite of products. 

Other

Pay Range: $77,000 - $98,000K. This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith’s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment To Be Used:  Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Typical Physical Demands: Physical demands commensurate with job duties.

Typical Mental Demands: Able to work effectively in a fast paced environment.  Make judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations.  Grasp and apply new ideas.  Communicate with various personalities at all levels.

Working Conditions: Works remotely.  Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule.

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.

 Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.

Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only.  No search firms.