Strategic Relationship Manager

Description:

Job Overview:An exciting opportunity exists for a Strategic Relationship Manager to join a leading corporate travel management operation. The role is centred around managing a portfolio of corporate clients, with a strong focus on maintaining high-value relationships, ensuring service excellence, delivering on value propositions, and identifying opportunities for growth and profitability. This is a dynamic, client-facing role ideal for a confident communicator with deep knowledge of travel technologies, financial acumen, and a passion for client success. Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and strengthen multi-level client relationships (from travel bookers to executives).
• Deliver and promote company value-added services including online travel solutions, virtual card payments, and executive booking services.
• Lead travel program optimization strategies through rate benchmarking, missed savings analysis, and in-policy tracking.
• Present regular travel spends reviews and management information (MI) reporting.
• Coordinate and host client events such as booker workshops, training sessions, and industry updates.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure alignment with service level agreements (SLA) and client expectations.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting including client margins, fee models, and aged debt analysis.
• Proactively drive retention and organic growth within assigned client accounts.
• Promote and support the use of internal technologies such as TravelIT, RADAR, and SEC.
• Conduct regular reviews and updates of client contracts and pricing structures.

Requirements:

• Matric certificate (tertiary qualification in business or travel-related field is advantageous).
• Degree/Diploma in Business Management
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a client relationship management role, ideally within the travel or service industry.
• Proven track record in managing high-value client accounts and delivering measurable growth.
• Experience with corporate travel solutions and platforms (e.g., TravelIT or similar).
• Solid understanding of financial performance indicators (e.g., margin analysis, budgeting).
• Familiarity with SLA development, compliance, and performance tracking.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Analytical thinker with high attention to detail.
• Tech-savvy, with the ability to confidently present and train on digital solutions.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to manage stakeholder expectations.
• Excellent presentation skills and a professional demeanour.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Job Functions:

• Client Relationship Management
• Account Management
• Business Development
• Financial Oversight
• Travel Technology & Systems Training
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Strategic Planning

Requirements:

• Manage and strengthen multi-level client relationships (from travel bookers to executives).
• Deliver and promote company value-added services including online travel solutions, virtual card payments, and executive booking services.
• Lead travel program optimization strategies through rate benchmarking, missed savings analysis, and in-policy tracking.
• Present regular travel spends reviews and management information (MI) reporting.
• Coordinate and host client events such as booker workshops, training sessions, and industry updates.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure alignment with service level agreements (SLA) and client expectations.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting including client margins, fee models, and aged debt analysis.
• Proactively drive retention and organic growth within assigned client accounts.
• Promote and support the use of internal technologies such as TravelIT, RADAR, and SEC.
• Conduct regular reviews and updates of client contracts and pricing structures.

• Matric certificate (tertiary qualification in business or travel-related field is advantageous).
• Degree/Diploma in Business Management
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a client relationship management role, ideally within the travel or service industry.
• Proven track record in managing high-value client accounts and delivering measurable growth.
• Experience with corporate travel solutions and platforms (e.g., TravelIT or similar).
• Solid understanding of financial performance indicators (e.g., margin analysis, budgeting).
• Familiarity with SLA development, compliance, and performance tracking.

• Strong negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Analytical thinker with high attention to detail.
• Tech-savvy, with the ability to confidently present and train on digital solutions.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to manage stakeholder expectations.
• Excellent presentation skills and a professional demeanour.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Client Relationship Management
• Account Management
• Business Development
• Financial Oversight
• Travel Technology & Systems Training
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Strategic Planning