Vice President of Travel

At AAA Western and Central New York, our Associates are committed to providing our members with a totally satisfying experience. Therefore, we seek Associates who are dedicated to this purpose, people who truly demonstrate compassion, empathy and unsurpassed service. These are the people that help us create a loyal membership base that strengthens our mission—to be our members’ most trusted provider of high quality automotive, travel, insurance and other relevant products and services that offer safety, security, peace of mind, value and convenience.

AAA Western and Central New York is regularly recognized as one of the best & healthiest places to work in the WNY & CNY area. In addition to a market competitive salary, Associates are eligible for a wide selection of benefits (dependent upon position) including:

• Medical, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance
• Potential for hybrid work & flexible work schedules
• Pre-Tax & Roth 401(k) plan with company match
• Health Spending Accounts with company contribution & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Company Paid Short-term & Long-term disability
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement & company-paid training programs
• FREE AAA membership & travel / product discounts

Job Responsibilities

30% Executive Leadership

• Capacity to develop and implement long-term strategies and tactical plans that drive growth and operational efficiency for the travel department.
• Articulate a clear vision for the travel division aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities to drive growth and profitability.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape to maintain a competitive edge.
• Build and lead high-performing travel teams, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Set clear performance objectives and provide regular feedback and coaching.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development within the team.

20% Travel Sales

• Develop and execute sales strategies to promote travel bookings and increase market share.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling campaigns and promotional materials.
• Monitor sales performance and KPI and use data to identify areas of sales improvement, adjust strategies, and drive results to achieve targets.

20% Travel Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the travel business, ensuring efficiency and high-quality service delivery.
• Willingness to embrace innovation and leverage technology to enhance travel services and improve customer experiences.
• Implement best practices and streamline processes to enhance operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and club policies.

10% Vendor Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and travel partners.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers, and other external partners.
• Ensure high levels of travel customer satisfaction that aligns with AAA, Inc. accreditation standards.

20% Financial Oversight

• Manage the overall travel budget, including forecasting, and expense control.
• Analyze financial performance, navigate challenges and changes to the market environment to revise strategies to achieve financial targets.
• Manage & develop effective incentive compensation programs that motivate sales with increased revenue and increase net income.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.

Job Specific Requirements

• Extensive experience in the travel industry, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic planning.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance operations and customer experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.