Travel Rewards Specialist

Travel Rewards Specialist OVERVIEW We are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Travel Rewards Specialist. Our client is a US-based travel rewards optimization company that works behind the scenes for travel agents and their clients, ensuring every trip is booked using the smartest combination of points, miles, and cash fares available. This is a hybrid role — part booking specialist, part client-facing advisor — sitting within a growing fulfillment team based remotely in South Africa. You will work directly with travel agents and their passengers to identify and execute the best redemption strategies across major airline alliances, loyalty programs, and GDS platforms. The role requires someone who is highly detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple complex bookings simultaneously while aligned to US Eastern Standard Time (EST) business hours. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Transfer points from bank rewards programs (including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points) into airline and hotel loyalty programs to maximize redemption value Book flights across all major alliances and carriers — from economy through business class — using points, miles, revenue fares, or a combination depending on the client's best interest Build, price, and ticket complex itineraries in Sabre GDS, including multi-segment and international routings Communicate clearly and promptly with travel agents and their clients to understand booking requirements and deliver accurate solutions Monitor transfer bonuses, award availability, and program changes to ensure clients are always getting current best-value options Manage multiple active bookings concurrently, ensuring accuracy at every stage from reservation through ticketing Flag and resolve booking issues — including name discrepancies, missed connections, or failed point transfers — before they affect travel REQUIREMENTS Matric (Grade 12) as a minimum qualification a National Diploma or relevant NQF Level 5–6 qualification in Travel and Tourism, Hospitality, or a related field is advantageous Advanced proficiency in Sabre GDS is a hard requirement — candidates must be able to build and price itineraries, interpret fare rules, and ticket independently without supervision Minimum 2 years of experience in a travel reservations, airline ticketing, or related fulfillment role Solid working knowledge of at least one major airline or bank loyalty program (e.g. Avios, Flying Blue, LifeMiles, or equivalent) Reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable home office setup for fully remote work Availability to work core US Eastern Standard Time (EST) business hours PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Hands-on experience transferring points between bank rewards programs and airline or hotel loyalty partners Familiarity with alliance-based award booking strategies across Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam carriers Prior experience in a client-facing travel advisory or reservations role dealing with international itineraries Exposure to revenue versus award fare comparisons and mixed-cabin or stopover routing strategi es KEY COMPETENCIES Strong communication skills High attention to detail Strong organizational skills Ability to work independently Professionalism and reliability