Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands
I am an experienced Indirect Procurement, Fleet, and Business Travel expert with over 15 years of experience, turning my passion for travel and automotive into a successful career. Through extensive interaction with suppliers and managing spend categories from a corporate perspective, I have gained a comprehensive, 360-degree view of procurement category management, including HR, Finance, Legal, and Consulting. I am a flexible, resourceful, and energetic professional, accustomed to working under pressure and focused on finding solutions, not problems. Over the years, I have developed and implemented fleet and corporate travel programs that drive cost savings, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance vendor relationships. My expertise also includes leading RFPs, contract (re)negotiations, corporate policy development, travel and fleet safety, and technology enhancements aimed at improving operational efficiency.
- Develop and manage sourcing strategies for key indirect categories—HR Services, Consulting, Finance, Legal, Travel, and Fleet—ensuring alignment with business goals and procurement best practices. - Serve as a strategic partner to stakeholders across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, supporting informed decision-making and driving value through procurement initiatives.
- Led the strategic and operational management of corporate travel and fleet programs across the EMEA region, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and employee satisfaction. - Oversaw relationships with key suppliers, including airlines, hotel chains, travel management companies, rental car providers, and fleet leasing partners—negotiating contracts, monitoring SLAs, and driving supplier performance. - Monitored KPIs and performance metrics, using data-driven insights to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance traveler experience. - Ensured policy development, compliance, and governance, working cross-functionally with Legal, HR, and Finance to maintain alignment with corporate goals. - Managed regional fleet operations, including vehicle policy, lease management, vendor selection, and cost control, while supporting employee mobility needs.
- Managed day-to-day relationships with key global and regional travel suppliers, ensuring service quality and compliance. - Developed and implemented a new hotel sourcing strategy for 2021–2022 in response to the evolving business travel landscape during COVID-19. - Led contract renegotiations with multiple travel and events providers to mitigate financial impact and adapt to pandemic-related disruptions.
- Owned vendor relationships and led strategic sourcing initiatives for all major travel partners including airlines, travel agencies, hotels, and ground transportation providers. - Drove continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and deliver cost savings across the global travel program. - Led the implementation and administration of SAP Concur T&E, streamlining travel and expense processes. - Managed daily operations with key global and regional travel suppliers, tracking performance metrics and optimizing supplier agreements. - Monitored travel industry trends to proactively develop and execute regional travel strategies in alignment with global goals. - Acted as a regional lead for global travel initiatives, ensuring successful implementation while contributing regional insights and requirements. - Oversaw a multi-country team of 14 employees across Poland, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Malaysia, providing leadership and operational direction. - Developed internal documentation including policies, procedures, and user guides for business travel and relocation processes. - Managed and controlled the departmental budget, aligning financial planning with organizational travel needs and strategic priorities.
- Provided timely and accurate information regarding travel conditions, document requirements, and processing (e.g., passports, visas, invitations, registrations) to support the mobility of company staff and customer representatives. - Managed end-to-end business travel arrangements, including international and domestic flight bookings, hotel reservations, ground transportation, and supporting travel documents (insurance, reference letters, etc.). - Oversaw travel order execution, ensuring compliance with internal policies and resolving complex or urgent travel-related issues. - Continuously monitored the business travel process, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring a smooth traveler experience. - Tracked and responded to regulatory changes in travel documentation processes, ensuring up-to-date compliance with international travel and visa requirements. - Negotiated and signed agreements with external service providers (e.g., hotels, travel agencies) to secure favorable terms and reliable service delivery. - Prepared and submitted regular reports on business travel activities, providing insights into trends, compliance, and spend. - Conducted cost and budget analysis to support financial planning and cost optimization within travel operations. - Managed work and residence permit processes for employees and their families relocating to Poland—liaising with Voivodeship Offices and Labour Offices, and staying informed on relevant changes to Polish labor and immigration laws.
Supported the procurement team by creating and managing Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and Purchase Orders (POs) in SAP, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing of purchasing activities.