Director, Commercial

About Vantage Group:

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisory 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:

The Director, Commercial plays a critical leadership role in supporting the strategic growth and operational excellence of our network locations and partner organisations. The Director, Commercial will work cross-functionally to guide the development, alignment, and execution of strategic plans, drive the successful implementation of initiatives, and serve as a key liaison between the corporate commercial team and network locations. The post holder brings strong analytical, communication, and change management skills to lead complex projects and enable sustainable performance improvements and optimization across the group along with a proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams. This role will directly support the Senior Director, Commercial to meet or exceed stated departmental objectives.  

Primarily, the role will lead and support the delivery of project initiatives across the Vantage portfolio, with emphasis on Kansas City International Airport, Philadelphia 30th Street Station and JFK Terminal 6/7. The postholder will support the positioning of our commercial services within the competitive market, communication of our strong value proposition, and creating awareness of our proven expertise. This includes leveraging our relationships within our own network airports and external business partners to maximise revenue potential of concession locations, open new opportunities for growth and position ourselves to optimize existing commercial performance and strengthen our existing relationships. 

Role and Responsibilities:

Strategic Initiatives & Network Support  

• Partner with network/location leadership to develop, refine, and align strategic business plans that support organizational goals.
• Lead the planning and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives and transformation projects across network locations (such as land development plans, and car parking revenue strategies).
• Facilitate collaboration between corporate functions (e.g., finance, HR, operations) and network locations to drive operational consistency and strategic alignment.
• Develop frameworks, toolkits, and playbooks to support network locations in strategy development and implementation for revenue initiatives.
• Provide consulting-style support to network leaders in areas such as revenue and space planning, leasing and procurement, operational improvements, or new revenue initiatives. 
• Conduct data analysis, benchmarking, and develop reporting dashboards to inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead or support executive-level presentations, business reviews, and initiative updates. 
• Develop programs and actions for long-term commercial plans for the network airports to maximize revenue.
• Lead and effectively engage local teams to ensure ownership, action and follow-through are supporting the achievement of desired commercial outcomes.
• Encourage collaborative working across the network to drive optimal results.
• Remain current on concession, market and consumer trends through industry analysis and networking.
• Lead the continued development and optimization of a Vantage's proprietary (business intelligence system) Active Commercial Management System (ACMS) that delivers clear, actionable insights to support operational performance, strategic planning, and contract compliance. 
• Align with Senior Director, Commercial Performance to ensure the guiding principles used within the Active Commercial Management System (ACMS) and to operate our daily business are maintained and incremental value is consistently delivered, creating win-win opportunities with each business partner.
• Engage with the Senior Director, Commercial Performance, network leadership and operational teams to ensure reporting tools and insights meet evolving business needs and contribute to a culture of accountability and high performance. 

Concession Planning, Procurement & Leasing Strategies  

• Strategic Planning & Development 
  • Analyze passenger demographics, passenger flows, dwell times, and spending behavior to optimize concession locations and offerings. 
  • Create long-term plans for retail, food and beverage, and service programs to align with terminal expansions, redevelopments, or traffic forecasts. 
  • Conduct competitive and relevant benchmarking with other airports or transportation hubs.
  • Support strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue by enhancing the commercial appeal and functionality of concessions. 
• Space Allocation & Design Input 
  • Determine the type, size, and location of concession units.
  • Work closely with operational teams and terminal planners to balance passenger amenities with operational efficiency.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction teams during terminal design phases to ensure concession spaces are appropriately located, sized and supported by required utilities. 
• Leasing 
  • Oversee the end-to-end leasing process, including prospecting, negotiations, financial analysis, and lease execution for retail, food & beverage, and service concessions.  
  • Develop and implement leasing strategies aligned with network location or project goals, market trends, and customer needs. 
  • Manage the development of documents for the concession operator procurement at network airports for renewals and new terminal construction projects, including RFP’s, RFQ’s, lease agreements, and marketing materials.
  • Lead the preparation of commercial offers, leases, licenses and agreements, procure and manage administration of all subcontracts relating to commercial activities.
  • Ensure systems and processes are in place to monitor lease expirations, key terms, renewals, and portfolio performance to ensure proactive management of tenancy and risk.
  • Negotiate deal terms and lease documents with concession operators, and/or commercial service providers, including renewals.

Advisory Services 

• Support the development of commercial advisory services practice and future business prospects, including Vantage’s current engagements.
• Manage and execute on Vantage’s current advisory services engagements and initiatives.
• Act as the day-to-day Vantage contact (or “face”) for client relationships.

Network and Industry Relationships 

• Develop strong working relationships with operational and management teams across the group and network locations to identify/resolve any issues negatively impacting revenue.
• Establish, manage and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including airports, transportation hubs, local government, airlines, rail operators, and concession partners.

Other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position may be assigned.

About you:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, strategy, operations, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree and aviation industry preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a formal people management role, with demonstrated success in team leadership and talent development. 
• 8 to 10 years of progressive multi-disciplinary airport commercial experience, in the areas of concession management, car parking revenue, and land development.
• Proven track record of leading strategic planning processes and implementing cross-functional initiatives. 
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive decisions and measure impact.
• Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to build and grow connections with people of all types and backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Comfortable working in a matrixed environment and influencing without direct authority.
• Experience in leading distributed teams or multi-location organizations.
• Working knowledge of financial/budget management.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary operational reviews and showcase effective leadership.
• Curious about the “why” and able to thrive in ambiguity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills for a variety of audiences, including board and executive level.
• Sound knowledge of project management & delivery techniques.
• Demonstrable business acumen. 
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for the resolution of operational problems.
• A team player focused on effective operational performance in a complex environment.
• Ability to foster ongoing relationships with network airports and stakeholders.
• Aptitude for critical problem solving and conflict resolution, with the ability to maintain objectivity and impartiality.
• Ability to multitask, manage time and respond well under pressure (e.g., emergency situations, etc.).
• Willingness and ability to travel within North America and internationally as required for site support and new business development.

Primary Work Location: Chicago or Remote / Hybrid US

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 $155,000 - $175,000. 

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.