Commercial Manager, MDW

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:

Located at Midway International Airport in Chicago, the Commercial Manager will report to the Midway Partnership General Manager. This role will be responsible for managing and optimizing concession operations for Midway Partnership ("MP") with the objectives of maximizing revenue, ensuring operational excellence, enhancing customer experiences, and maintaining compliance with concession agreements. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Commercial Manager serves as the primary liaison between Midway Partnership and its concession operators, while cultivating strong relationships with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and other essential stakeholders. This role requires proactive leadership, effective influence without direct authority, and strategic management to drive performance and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Establish and nurture excellent relationships with Midway Partnership’s stakeholders, local and corporate teams, senior executives, CDA, regulatory agencies, airlines, concession operators, and key stakeholders to foster productive collaboration and achieve strategic objectives, specifically through the following commercial activities:

Commercial Activities

• Identify, develop, and execute strategies to drive incremental sales growth and revenue enhancement.
• Collaborate closely with concession operators to maximize commercial opportunities and streamline operational efficiencies.
• Provide strategic input into annual plans and budgets concerning commercial operations.
• Ensure concession operators adhere to operational standards and lease requirements.
• Address and swiftly resolve operational issues, focusing on customer satisfaction and efficiency.
• Regularly analyze market trends, performance metrics, and commercial insights to inform and adapt strategies.
• Manage and interpret financial performance data, including Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG) and percentage rent agreements, to ensure profitability.
• Develop and oversee customer experience programs, including mystery shopping, passenger surveys, employee incentives, and training to ensure consistently high levels of service.
• Prepare detailed operational reports and communicate insights effectively to operators, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Represent Midway Partnership positively at local community and industry events.
• Actively engage in community activities and industry events beneficial to Midway Partnership’s growth and reputation.
• Undertake additional activities as required by leadership.
• Other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position may be assigned.

About You:

• You hold a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Marketing, or other related fields preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years relevant experience in commercial management related to airport operations, retail, hospitality, event management, food and beverage experience, or related industry sectors preferred.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Primary Work Location: MDW Airport, Chicago, IL

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 $90,000 - $110,000 USD.

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.

For more information about Vantage Group, please visit: www.vantagegroup.com