KRISTEN STEARNS
Deerfield Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic management professional with 30 years of experience in operations, customer service, and travel management. Recognized for developing and leading high-performing, quality-oriented teams while achieving notable cost savings and enhancing traveler satisfaction. Demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and supplier negotiations, alongside effective problem-solving skills. Committed to driving operational excellence by fostering strong relationships and ensuring policy compliance.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Delivery Travel Manager
Altour International
Remote
10.2015 - Current
- Manages all aspects of client escalations by improving communications and establishing productive relationships
- Develops process improvements and long-term business strategies based on analysis of customer feedback
- Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite.
- Prepared invoices for reimbursement of approved expenses incurred by travelers during their trip.
- Gained experience managing Concur Expense software.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing vendor agreements and negotiated new ones when required.
- Provides excellent customer care to improve customer relations, strengthen loyalty and increase product sales.
- Leader to 17 direct reports, providing mentoring, coaching daily
- Monitored global travel trends to identify potential problems or opportunities that may arise during business trips.
- Ensured compliance with government regulations regarding passport and visa requirements prior to departure of travelers.
- Liaised with all levels of management and teams to ensure adherence to business agendas ranging in complexity.
- Drove timely and effective management of client grievances via constant communications and cultivation of mutually-beneficial relationships.
- Responded immediately to clients' questions, issues, and complaints, and found effective solutions when required.
- Coordinated ground transportation to and from accommodations for clients.
- Maintained relationships with travel partners and vendors.
- Mitigated financial discrepancies, accurately collecting customer fees, managing refunds, and providing accurate travel documentation.
- Created reports on travel expenses for budgeting purposes.
Executive Corporate Travel Consultant
Luxe Travel
Boca Raton, Florida
11.2011 - 10.2015
- Planned corporate travel for business executives tailored to client requirements.
- Handled comprehensive business travel arrangements for corporate clients, covering flights, hotels, and transportation.
- Designated VIP agent focused intensely on exceptional customer service.
- Ensured all reservations were accurately documented in agency's system prior to client departure date.
- Delivered comprehensive travel guidance addressing passport, visa, and transportation inquiries.
- Offered tailored information on environmental factors and popular points of interest for selected areas.
- Coordinated flights, accommodations, and insurance tailored to traveler preferences.
- Customized travel plans based on specific client needs.
- Managed coordination of transport for client accommodation transfers.
Store Manager
Liberty Travel
Boca Raton, Florida
01.1997 - 11.2011
- Increased sales in by 25% and responsible for sales activities of highest grossing branch in Southeast
- Developed, recruited, and trained sales agents to be promoted to store management to meet customer needs
- Planned and coordinated annual regional conferences and developed business plan to achieve financial goals.
- Identified potential opportunities for growth within the industry by researching trends in leisure travel markets.
- Provided customers with detailed information about available travel packages and options.
- Researched new destinations, attractions, and activities to add to the agency's portfolio of offerings.
- Created financial reports detailing income and expenses related to travel bookings.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for discounted rates on airfare, hotel stays, and other services.
- Managed daily operations of the travel agency including staff management and budgeting.
Education
Associates Degree - Business Administration
SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NYTimeline
Service Delivery Travel Manager
Altour International
10.2015 - Current
Executive Corporate Travel Consultant
Luxe Travel
11.2011 - 10.2015
Store Manager
Liberty Travel
01.1997 - 11.2011
Associates Degree - Business Administration
SUNY Farmingdale