As part of our Portfolio team, the Travel Category Manager will shape the future of CoreTrust's travel solutions portfolio, helping thousands of member organizations access best-in-class travel, meetings, rideshare, and mobility programs.
This is a highly visible role that combines industry expertise, supplier partnership management, category strategy, and go-to-market execution. You'll work closely with suppliers, sales, marketing, finance, and member-facing teams to grow market-leading travel solutions while delivering exceptional value to members.
Responsibilities- Develop and execute category strategies across travel-related solutions, including travel management, travel marketplace, rideshare, rental car, and meetings & events
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, serving as the primary business owner for key partnerships
- Lead supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and sourcing initiatives that create value for members and CoreTrust
- Partner with Sales and Marketing to launch new offerings and drive adoption through effective go-to-market strategies
- Monitor category performance, analyze trends, and identify opportunities for revenue growth, member value, and operational improvements
- Serve as a travel-industry subject matter expert, supporting internal teams and engaging directly with members when needed
- Stay informed on industry trends, supplier innovations, and emerging opportunities that can strengthen the CoreTrust portfolio.
Qualifications- 5+ years of experience in business travel, travel management, strategic sourcing, category management, supplier partnerships, procurement, or a related field
- Strong understanding of the travel ecosystem, including travel management companies (TMCs), meetings & events, lodging, ground transportation, or related services
- Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts, negotiations, or strategic partnerships
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and work cross-functionally across sales, marketing, finance, operations, and customer-facing teams
- Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to translate data into recommendations and action
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
- Experience in corporate travel programs, travel procurement, supplier partnership management, or category management preferred
- Experience leading RFPs, sourcing initiatives, or complex commercial negotiations preferred
- Knowledge of the Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) model preferred
- Experience in meetings & events, travel technology, mobility, or adjacent travel categories preferred
- Must be willing to travel approximately 15% of the time, as required
Benefits- Competitive compensation package
- Free individual employee medical coverage
- Company subsidized dental and vision coverage
- Dollar for dollar 401(k) match up to 6% of your salary with immediate vesting
- Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
- Employee Assistance Program to support your wellbeing and mental health
- $1500 annual stipend for undergraduate/graduate college courses; $500 annual stipend for continuing education courses/certifications
- Free snacks and beverages on-site
- Brand new, state-of-the-art, tech-enabled work environment in downtown Nashville
- Flexible/hybrid work culture
