Travel Manager
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Department
Management and Manufacturing
Job Type
Full-Time
Experience
Mid-Senior Level
Job Description
Led by one of the most successful and innovative owners in motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing has won 22 championships dating back to 1990. In addition, 2016 saw the team pick up their first-ever victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Overall, Ganassi has won six of the seven most iconic races in the world of auto racing with wins in the Indianapolis 500 (5 times), Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex 24 At Daytona (8), and the 12 Hours of Sebring (2).
On the business side, CGR had one of the longest-running relationships in motorsports history with Target and currently can claim partnerships with PNC Bank, Parkland, DHL, and Honda, among many others. Today, Ganassi teams include three cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and two in INDY NXT by Firestone. Ganassi boasts a state-of-the-art racing facility in Indianapolis, and a corporate office in Pittsburgh.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Travel Manager to oversee and execute the comprehensive travel logistics for an IndyCar team of 100+ personnel. The ideal candidate will manage all aspects of team travel for at least 20 race weekends annually, including commercial and charter flights, hotel accommodations, rental vehicles, and on-the-ground coordination. This role requires a proactive problem-solver with deep experience in high-volume, time-sensitive travel logistics and vendor management in a fast-paced motorsports environment.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
Travel Planning & Coordination
On the business side, CGR had one of the longest-running relationships in motorsports history with Target and currently can claim partnerships with PNC Bank, Parkland, DHL, and Honda, among many others. Today, Ganassi teams include three cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and two in INDY NXT by Firestone. Ganassi boasts a state-of-the-art racing facility in Indianapolis, and a corporate office in Pittsburgh.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Travel Manager to oversee and execute the comprehensive travel logistics for an IndyCar team of 100+ personnel. The ideal candidate will manage all aspects of team travel for at least 20 race weekends annually, including commercial and charter flights, hotel accommodations, rental vehicles, and on-the-ground coordination. This role requires a proactive problem-solver with deep experience in high-volume, time-sensitive travel logistics and vendor management in a fast-paced motorsports environment.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
Travel Planning & Coordination
- Develop and execute detailed travel plans for over 100 personnel per event weekend.
- Coordinate commercial and charter flight arrangements, ensuring timely arrivals/departures.
- Oversee hotel room blocks, rooming lists, check-in logistics, and special requests.
- Arrange rental car fleets or ground transportation to accommodate crew, executives, and guests.
- Manage manifests, itineraries, and travel packets for each traveler.
- Secure and maintain relationships with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, charter providers, and travel vendors.
- Negotiate rates and service contracts to align with budget goals.
- Monitor and manage travel budgets and cost reporting for each event.
- Ensure all vendor invoices are reviewed and approved for timely payment.
- Serve as the primary travel liaison between team leadership, departments, and external vendors.
- Provide real-time problem resolution during travel disruptions (delays, cancellations, last-minute changes).
- Coordinate with on-site operations staff to ensure smooth arrivals and accommodations.
- Maintain accurate travel records, itineraries, and per diem tracking.
- Provide post-event travel recaps and cost summaries to management.
- Ensure all travelers are compliant with organizational travel policies.
- Minimum 5 years of experience managing large-group travel logistics, preferably in motorsports, entertainment, or athletic industries.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating charter and commercial air travel.
- Proven success in negotiating and managing vendor contracts and travel budgets.
- Strong knowledge of travel booking systems and Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
- Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in high-pressure environments.
- Willingness to travel on-site to key events (20+ weekends annually, plus pre-season logistics planning).
- Experience with IndyCar, IMSA, or other motorsport teams is preferred
- Familiarity with sports team travel management platforms (e.g., Concur, TravelPerk, Cvent).
- Understanding of DOT/FAA travel compliance for charter operations.
- Health, dental, and vision
- Health Savings Account contributions
- 401K plan with company match
- Travel reimbursement or per diem
- Company paid life and disability insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Wellness programs
- Access to our state-of-the-art Human Performance Center