LOIS CLARKE

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and lead SailGP’s global travel strategy, ensuring alignment with sustainability, cost-efficiency, and inclusivity goals.
• Deliver end-to-end travel operations for flights, accommodation, ground transport, and visas across 12+ international events annually.
• Manage and develop the internal travel team, providing clear direction, support, and performance oversight.
• Oversee supplier procurement and relationship management, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality, and compliant services.
• Implement and maintain travel policies, processes, and systems for consistent and seamless coordination.
• Act as the escalation point for critical travel issues, maintaining real-time visibility of operations.
• Collaborate with Finance on POs, budget planning, and reporting.
• Analyse and report on travel data to support continuous improvement and strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with immigration, health, and safety regulations through proactive policy updates and communication.
• Embed sustainability into planning and supplier selection; monitor travel activity and emissions to support SailGP’s climate-positive goals.

Strategic Achievements:

• Designed and launched SailGP’s Season 6 travel strategy and policies, introducing stronger governance, workflows, and supplier KPIs.
• Finalised procurement and onboarding of new preferred suppliers for flights, hotels, ground transport, and car hire.
• Rolled out a centralised reporting framework to enhance transparency and drive data-informed decisions.
• Initiated a commercialisation plan for Season 7, building a scalable structure to offer paid travel services to teams, suppliers, and VIPs.

Oversaw the Integrated Management System (IMS), ensuring ongoing ISO certification and regulatory compliance across operations.

• Maintained and updated IMS documentation and procedures.
• Advised on HSEQ matters and delivered toolbox talks.
• Managed contractor compliance records (RAMS, insurance, qualifications).
• Compiled and issued monthly HSEQ bulletins.
• Identified training needs for site health & safety (e.g. fire marshals, first aid).
• Led HSEQ and management meetings; investigated incidents and implemented corrective actions.
• Conducted audits and regular health & safety inspections using iAuditor.
• Performed risk assessments (Fire, COSHH, PEEP, Legionella, COVID).
• Monitored site compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001, resolving non-conformances promptly.

Coordinated all travel arrangements for race team staff, ensuring seamless logistics and in-country compliance across international F1 events.

• Planned and managed bookings for hotels, car hire, transfers, and visas.
• Verified and maintained accurate passport and travel documentation for all staff.
• Ensured full compliance with destination entry requirements, including COVID-19 protocols.
• Negotiated travel contracts within strict budget constraints.
• Reviewed and coded travel invoices in line with company policy.
• Prepared clear, accessible travel itineraries tailored to race team needs.
• Maintained detailed knowledge of race destinations to offer proactive travel advice.
• Provided expert guidance on visa processes and travel safety.
• Designed cost-effective corporate travel solutions to support operational goals.

Provided operational and travel support to the Race Team Travel Manager, ensuring efficient logistics and team readiness for all race events.

Travel & Race Support

• Arranged visas and COVID-related travel documentation for all race and test events.
• Managed passport and visa allocations, including for dual passport holders.
• Supported travel planning by booking accommodation, completing flight manifests, and issuing team itineraries.
• Coordinated expenses and laundry services for travelling personnel.
• Provided tailored logistical support for Japanese visitors, including accommodation, uniform, and transport arrangements.

Operations & Administration

• Oversaw pool car management, including tax, MOT, insurance, and maintenance.
• Handled onboarding preparation for new starters and international staff.
• Managed office supplies, performed stock checks, and maintained printers/photocopiers.
• Distributed internal and external correspondence.

Team Services & Uniform Management

• Supported team members and guests with schedules, timetables, and logistics.
• Managed ordering, stock, and distribution of office and race team uniforms.
• Prepared uniform kits for new staff and coordinated uniform cleaning and upkeep.

Managed company administration and ISO quality compliance for 17 global affiliates. Oversaw internal audits and maintained the Integrated Management System.

• Served as PA to the Finance & Legal Director; handled contracts, correspondence, meetings, travel, and tax coordination.
• Introduced new HR processes, including an Employment Handbook, Staff Training Records, and New Starter packs.
• Incorporated four companies in Asia and Europe, ensuring full compliance and budget control.
• Ran the European insurance tender, delivering cost savings.
• Designed and implemented a contractor compliance system.

Managed operations and maintenance for 112 fuel forecourts, ensuring high standards and cost efficiency. Oversaw contractor performance and supported three Senior Regional Managers and six Area Managers.

• Led re-procurement of key services in 2018, delivering major savings, Waste – 38%, Fire Servicing – 28%, Interceptors – 18%
• Produced full procurement documentation including tender invites and terms.
• Implemented ServiceNow logging to speed up response times and improve budget tracking.
• Completed ESOS Phase 2 data analysis for submission in Dec 2019.