Category Operations Manager, Air

Your Growth

You will be part of the McKinsey Optimize function that delivers distinctive, positive and productive experiences through various services ranging from travel, events, real estate, sourcing, technology and purchasing. You will work closely with the wider Travel Team and Optimize departments, as well as leadership in Europe, Middle East, Africa and colleagues in other functions across the globe. You will partner with the Regional Travel Managers to support and drive travel initiatives and bring efficiencies in your areas. You will collaborate with regional/ office leaders, Finance, HR, Meetings & Events, Partners, Learning, Sustainability, and consulting leads to promote the air program and drive value. You will engage travelers and Executive Assistants to promote best practices in booking air travel, identify and drive change in traveler behaviors. Optimize Travel is responsible for setting the strategy for - and managing the operations of McKinsey's global travel program. Our vision is to bring people together to create positive enduring change in the world. We do this by designing a global and scalable travel program that harnesses innovation to deliver the best value for our firm while creating positive experiences for our colleagues. We empower colleagues to make informed travel decisions as they focus on delivering impact where it matters most. You will be based in one of our approved European Office locations (London, Prague) and report directly to the Global Airline Program Lead based in London, U.K.

Your Impact

You will drive end-to-end program management with airline/ rail suppliers and internal customers, while supporting the Global Air Category Lead with the execution of strategic priorities. To be successful in this role, you must be able to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement to drive continuous improvement in our air and rail operations. You must be able to balance working with a global team to meet wider goals and objectives while aligning these with the needs and objectives of local stakeholders. In this role you will use your negotiation and change management skills, expand your knowledge of airline and rail sectors, and capitalize on strengths you bring to the Firm. We offer exceptional training as well as regular coaching and mentoring.

Your qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's/ Masters' degree or equivalent
• Exceptional understanding of airline commercial proposition and related sectors: business/ online travel agencies, content aggregators, travel technologies, and corporate travel segment
• Recognizes patterns and applies problem-solving approaches; synthesizes insights into clear recommendations and identifies creative solutions to problems
• Strong attention to detail and excellent analytical skills, ability to work with large data sets and extract meaningful insights
• Skills to communicate complex ideas effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Consulting and project management skills
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• 7+ years of relevant experience, with at least 3-5 years in relevant travel category