AESC is looking to add a Travel and Expense Manager to our team in Murfreesboro, TN. 

• Full-Time
• Hybrid

About AESC US LLC 

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world’s leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries. 

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group's Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities. 

About the Role

The Travel and Expense Manager will oversee all aspects of travel management for AESC. This includes partnering with HR on planning and developing travel policies and implementing travel policies, managing travel budgets, negotiating vendor contracts, and ensuring seamless and efficient travel experiences for employees. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of corporate travel needs, excellent negotiation and organizational skills, and the ability to balance cost savings with employee satisfaction.

What You Will Do 

• Partner with HR to create travel policies
• Implement and enforce corporate travel policies.
• Ensure policies are aligned with company goals and industry best practices.
• Monitor compliance with travel policies and recommend changes as necessary.
• Establish and maintain relationships with travel agencies, airlines, hotels, rental car companies, and other vendors.
• Negotiate contracts and discounts with vendors to optimize travel costs.
• Conduct regular reviews of vendor performance and ensure quality standards are met.
• Monitor and manage the corporate travel budget to control costs.
• Analyze travel expenses, identify areas for cost savings, and implement cost-saving strategies.
• Prepare and present reports on travel spend and compliance.
• Oversee travel bookings, including flights, accommodations, and ground transportation, for employees and executives.
• Assist employees with travel changes or issues, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
• Develop a system to handle last-minute travel requests or emergency situations.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for employee travel, ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Stay updated on travel restrictions, health advisories, and safety protocols, especially during emergencies or global events.
• Collaborate with the HR or security team to address travel safety concerns.
• Use travel management software to monitor and track travel expenses and trends.
• Prepare regular reports on travel expenses, identifying trends, compliance issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement procedures to streamline travel expense reporting and reimbursement.
• Partner with HR to communicate travel policies and updates to employees, ensuring awareness of procedures and guidelines.
• Partner with HR to provide training or resources on travel tools, safety protocols, and expense reporting.

What We Offer 

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission. 

We offer: 

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match 
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Process 

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future. 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day. 

Work Environment

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in corporate travel management or a related role. 
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in vendor management and contract negotiation.
• Proficiency in travel management software (e.g., SAP Concur, Egencia, or similar tools). 
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to analyze data and identify trends.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle last-minute changes.
• Knowledge of travel-related safety, security, and risk management practices. 
• Experience with global travel management and familiarity with international travel regulations. 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with HR, finance, and other teams. 
• Proficiency in data analysis tools or experience preparing financial and compliance reports.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

Travel

Occasional domestic and international travel required.