Team Leader - Travel & Expenses

Meet DeepL

DeepL is a global communications platform powered by Language AI. Since 2017, we’ve been on a mission to break down language barriers. Our human-sounding translations and intelligent writing suggestions are designed with enterprise security in mind. Today, they enable over 100,000 businesses to transform communications, reach new markets, and improve productivity. And, empower millions of individuals worldwide to make sense of the world and express their ideas.

Our goal is to become the global leader in Language AI, building products that drive better communication, foster connections, and make a real-life impact. To achieve this, we need talented individuals like you to join our exciting journey. If you're ready to work with a dynamic team and build your career in the fast-moving AI space, DeepL is your next destination.

What sets us apart

What sets us apart is our blend of modern technology, competitive benefits, and an open, welcoming work culture that enables our people to thrive. When we share what it's like to work at DeepL, the reactions are overwhelmingly positive. This may be because of our products that have helped countless people worldwide or our shared mission to improve communication for individuals and businesses, bringing cultures closer together. What we know for sure is this: being part of DeepL means joining a team dedicated to innovation and employee well-being. Discover what our teams have to say about life at DeepL on LinkedIn, Instagram and our Blog.

Meet the team behind this journey

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Team Lead – Travel & Expenses to oversee our Travel & Expenses (T&E) team. In this role, you will drive efficiency, compliance, and innovation in our T&E operations while leading a high-performing team. Your expertise in travel management, expense reporting, and policy compliance will ensure a seamless experience for employees while optimizing costs and processes.

Your responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the T&E team, fostering a culture of excellence.

• Guide the team through process, system, or policy changes with minimal disruption.

• Set clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the team.

• Develop and implement T&E strategies aligned with company goals.

• Oversee the development, enforcement, and communication of T&E policies.

• Communicate policies and procedures clearly to stakeholders at all levels.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and legal regulations.

• Manage relationships with travel vendors, hotels, and service providers.

• Negotiate contracts and rates to secure the best value for the organization.

• Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements.

• Act as the primary point of escalation for complex T&E inquiries.

Qualities we look for

• Proven experience in travel & expense management, finance, or a related field.

• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams.

• In-depth knowledge of T&E policies, compliance requirements, and best practices.

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to derive insights from data.

• Experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing vendor relationships.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Proficiency in T&E tools and platforms

What we offer

• Diverse and internationally distributed team: joining our team means becoming part of a large, global community with people of more than 90 nationalities. We're more than just colleagues; we're a group of professionals with a shared mission to connect diverse cultures. Our global presence is growing–we've doubled in size nearly every year, with our employees based in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and Japan, and we continue to expand our network.

• Open communication, regular feedback: as a language-focused company, we value the importance of clear, honest communication. We value smooth collaboration, direct and actionable feedback, and believe that leading with empathy and growth mindset makes us better together.

• Hybrid work, flexible hours: we offer a hybrid work schedule, with team members coming into the office twice a week. This allows you to engage directly with your team and experience the unique energy of our workspace, while still enjoying the flexibility and comfort of working from home. With flexible working hours and trust in your productivity, we are in sync with your team’s general locations and time zones to foster effective and seamless collaboration.

• Regular in-person team events: we bond over vibrant events that are as unique as our team, from local team and business unit gatherings, to new-joiner onboardings, to company-wide events that bring us all together–literally.

• Monthly full-day hacking sessions: every month, we have Hack Fridays, where you can spend your time diving into a project you're passionate about and get the opportunity to work with other teams–we value your initiatives, impact, and creativity.

• 30 days of annual leave: we value your peace of mind. With 30 days off (excluding public holidays) and access to mental health resources, we make sure you're as strong mentally as you are professionally.

• Competitive benefits: just as our team spans the globe, so does our benefits package. We've crafted it to reflect the diversity of our team and tailored it to align with your unique location, to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

If this role and our mission resonate with you, but you're hesitant because you don't check all the boxes, don't let that hold you back. At DeepL, it's all about the value you bring and the growth we can foster together. Go ahead, apply—let's discover your potential together. We can't wait to meet you!

We are an equal opportunity employer

You are welcome at DeepL for who you are—we appreciate authenticity here. Our product is for everyone, and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all succeed, contribute, and think forward! So bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s in our diversity that we will find the power to break down language barriers in the world.