Lead - Travel Desk

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in the building sector and manufacturing industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 104 countries, manufactures in 400+ factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers around the world that facilitate the sustainable transformation of the construction and manufacturing industries. With more than 33,000 employees, the company generated annual sales of CHF 11,2 billion in 2023.

Sika In India

In India, the company started its operations in 1985 and was known as Qualcrete India Limited. In 1987, Qualcrete India Limited forged an alliance with Sika AG, Switzerland and was renamed as Sika Qualcrete Limited. In 2002, Sika AG, Switzerland acquired 100% stake in the company  and since then the company has been rechristened as Sika India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sika AG.

Sika Automotive & Industry Business delivers innovative solutions to the world’s leading manufacturers and service providers in automotive OEM, commercial vehicles, automotive aftermarket, marine vessels, renewable energy, sandwich panels, industrial equipment, HVAC, home and commercial appliances, modular building, facades and fenestration. Sika India services direct customers and distributors and stay close to them via the central sales & marketing office in Pune, and a pan India sales team presence.

Overview
Lead and strategically manage all travel, logistics, and event handling for Sika India. Drive operational excellence, optimize costs, and ensure seamless travel experiences while maintaining strict compliance with company policies and budget parameters.

Key Responsibilities:
Travel Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze travel spend, booking patterns, vendor performance, and trip frequencies to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards, and performance reports (e.g. monthly/quarterly travel MIS).
• Track key travel KPIs such as cost per trip, advance booking compliance, policy adherence.

Cost Optimization & Financial Management

• Strategically negotiate with travel suppliers and vendors to secure competitive pricing and maximize cost savings across all travel categories
• Monitor, control, and analyze travel budgets and expenses; prepare comprehensive monthly dashboards.
• Implement and sustain effective cost-saving measures while maintaining service quality standards
• Reporting and sharing the cost-versus-budget reports for senior management. Must have good excel skills.

Process Optimization & Cost Reduction

• Identify gaps in the travel process through data analysis and propose automation or process improvements.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to optimize travel spend (e.g., preferred routes, negotiated rates, travel caps).
• Track the effectiveness of cost-saving initiatives implemented.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and service providers to ensure optimal pricing, service delivery, and contract compliance
• Handle complex domestic and international travel queries with expertise, providing authoritative guidance on visa requirements, customs regulations, baggage policies, and travel insurance

Compliance & Specialized Services

• Manage expat onboarding and visa processing, ensuring full compliance with immigration regulations and company policies
• Provide expert counsel on travel documentation, insurance requirements, and import/export regulations
• Ensure 100% compliance across all travel procedures and maintain comprehensive audit trails
• Drive continuous improvement of travel programs through data analysis and stakeholder feedback

Operations

• Lead and oversee end-to-end travel desk operations, managing flight bookings, hotel accommodations, visa processing, and itinerary development with precision and efficiency
• Spearhead PAN-India event management initiatives, delivering seamless coordination across multiple locations and stakeholder groups
• Champion process improvements and drive adoption of innovative travel management tools to enhance operational efficiency

Any Graduate with minimum 10 to 12 years' experience in Travel, Hotel and Event Management.

Must have Analytical skills & Excel Skill is mandatory.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training.  We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.