Commercial Manager (MCI)

About Vantage Group

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services.  Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location.  Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve.  Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors.  Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more.  

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the entire commercial team, the Commercial Manager provides operational support to the concession program at Kansas City International Airport. 

This position is based in Kansas City, MO.  The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently and proactively to provide project management as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain excellent relationships with key partners, their local teams, corporate staff, and senior executives.
• Establish, manage and maintain excellent relationships with external representatives and stakeholders including Kansas City Aviation Department (the client), vendors, concession partners, adjacent businesses, local regulatory agencies/departments, and local community groups.
• Collaborate closely with concession partners to maximize commercial opportunities and streamline operational efficiencies
• Identify, develop, and execute strategies to drive incremental sales growth and revenue enhancement
• Regularly analyze market trends, performance metrics, and commercial insights to inform and adapt strategies.
• Review and understand concession operator sales and key performance indicators to ensure revenue generation is maximized and any issues are reported quickly
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for all concession partners and their employees
• Observe and evaluate concession partner operations to ensure compliance with lease requirements, Standard Operating Procedures, and work constructively with concession partners to resolve issues as they arise
• Assist in the administration of contracts needed to promote efficient operations of the concessions business
• Collaborate with the internal team to create a customer experience program that may include mystery shops, passenger engagement surveys, employee incentives, and employee training to ensure the highest level of customer service to passengers.
• Address and swiftly resolve operational issues, focusing on customer satisfaction and efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with concession operators to maximize commercial opportunities and streamline operational efficiencies.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual operations presentations and reports as needed to partners, the client, and executives
• Act as the liaison between key stakeholders for the safe and efficient operation of the program
• Ensure regular reporting and coordination with the General Manager
• Other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position may be assigned.

Primary Qualifications

You have at a minimum, a Business degree (aviation/business/operations related) or equivalent and at least five years’ experience in the food & beverage or retail industries.  Multi-unit management is a plus.

About You

• Demonstrated ability to motivate and influence teams and stakeholders without direct managerial authority.
• Strong skills in financial analysis, general accounting principles, accounts receivable management, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Proven capability to build and sustain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and operators.
• Familiarity with airport commercial operations, passenger dynamics, and transportation industry practices.
• Capability to independently manage multiple projects efficiently from start to finish.
• Dedication to balancing commercial objectives with excellent customer experiences.
• Proficiency in interpreting data for informed strategic and operational decisions.
• Competent in addressing and resolving operational challenges proactively.
• Understanding of effective marketing strategies and promotions to drive commercial success in retail and food & beverage sectors.
• Superior knowledge of operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management
• Strong ethical leadership
• Superior interpersonal and negotiating skills in both internal and external settings
• Excellent oral and written communications
• Excellent analytical troubleshooting and creative problem-solving skills, with good judgment and sound decision-making in the absence of complete information
• Proven ability to support rapidly shifting business demands, increase efficiencies and streamline new processes through analysis and innovation
• Multi-tasking, action planning and prioritization skills
• Self-starter, able to work independently and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress environments
• Highly proficient in MS Office suite or related software [Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook, Project]. 

Primary Work Location: Kansas City Airport 

What we offer

In addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package, career progression, and access to a global team of talented professionals, we are growing and offer boundless opportunities to make your mark. If you share our sense of adventure, come, and join us for the journey.  The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000.

To apply

Please visit our Careers page at:

https://www.vantagegroup.com/careers/ and follow prompts to apply with your cover letter and résumé.

All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in the US will be considered.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills. As a global organization, we are always looking for differentiated points of view. We know that a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce is essential to our shared success, and we invite you to join us for the journey.