Are there Cost Savings & benefits of having a Travel Manager?

[jhagiu]

I have seen some companies that hire a Travel Manager on top of having a TMC.  As a Category Manager I spend about 15% of my work schedule on Travel.  We have multiple Business Units and Subsidiaries that use our contracted rates but the travel policies are not consistent across the board.  I am just wondering for companies that have a dedicated Travel Manager that spends 100% of his/her time on their travel program is there a significant savings or benefit they have seen?  Could you come up with an estimated % of savings?

[JessicaL]

What a great question. If I may add, if there is a specific travel manager, what are the responsiblities that fall under that role? Thank you for all responses :-)