Strategic Relationship Manager

What you will do

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.

Required Skills

Management: 4 to 5 years

Strategic Planning: 3 to 4 years

Business Development Manager: 3 to 4 years

Financial Oversight: 3 to 4 years

Candidate Requirements

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