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.
Position Summary
The Executive Managing Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and long-term success of Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB). The role provides overall accountability for airport operations, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, guest experience, infrastructure development, and the growth of air service and commercial opportunities.
As the airport's senior executive, the Executive Managing Director builds strong relationships with government, industry, business, and community partners to advance GRB's strategic priorities and enhance its contribution to regional connectivity and economic development.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership, Strategic Direction and Risk Management
• Provides overall executive leadership and direction for Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), maintaining accountability for organizational performance, culture, and team development.
• Collaborates with Brown County, Vantage Group, and the airport leadership team to establish and advance the airport's vision, strategic priorities, business objectives, and long-term direction.
• Sets organizational and senior leadership performance expectations and evaluates progress against strategic, operational, financial, business, and guest experience objectives.
• Champions a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and operational excellence across the airport.
• Leads the organization during major emergencies, operational disruptions, security incidents, and other significant events.
• Supports the development and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program, Master Plan initiatives, and long-term infrastructure strategies.
• Works with business, tourism, economic development, and community organizations to identify opportunities that enhance airport performance and regional value.
• Models the integrity, professionalism, accountability, and collaborative leadership expected throughout the organization and promotes adherence to these standards at all levels.
GRB Financial Sustainability & Performance
• Establishes financial objectives and performance expectations in collaboration with the Assistant Director, Business & Revenue and the airport leadership team.
• Oversees annual operating and capital budgets, long-term financial forecasts, revenue performance, expenditures, capital requirements, and financial risks.
• Provides Brown County, Vantage Group, and other stakeholders with regular reporting on financial performance, emerging risks, opportunities, and organizational results.
• Serves as the primary executive liaison between the airport, Brown County, and Vantage Group.
• Ensures leadership decisions, programs, and activities align with applicable County requirements and Vantage obligations and objectives.
• Leads the senior leadership team in establishing capital investment priorities based on operational and regulatory requirements, asset condition, guest experience objectives, growth opportunities, tenant needs, available funding, and long-term strategic goals.
• Maintains oversight of major capital project risks, funding requirements, delivery performance, operational impacts, and significant changes.
Business and Revenue Development
• Leads business development, revenue growth, air service development, real estate, and economic development initiatives.
• Establishes and implements strategies to support revenue growth, diversification, asset optimization, air service expansion, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Evaluates and leads or supports new business opportunities, partnerships, developments, leases, agreements, and investments.
• Participates directly in negotiations and strategic business relationships where involvement advances the airport's interests.
• Serves as a principal representative of the airport with federal, state, local, Tribal, industry, business, and community stakeholders.
• Ensures business decisions appropriately balance financial performance, operational considerations, guest experience, tenant needs, risk management, and long-term organizational interests.
Guest Experience & Airport Brand
• Establishes guest experience as an airport-wide priority and integrates it into organizational strategy, culture, operations, investment decisions, and business planning.
• Sets expectations for an airport environment that is safe, clean, welcoming, accessible, intuitive, reliable, and reflective of the community it serves.
• Promotes the use of guest feedback, research, performance measures, and operational observations to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Ensures guest experience considerations are incorporated into capital planning, operations, maintenance, housekeeping, concessions, amenities, technology, communications, and other decision-making processes.
• Oversees the airport's brand and ensures external positioning, marketing, and communications support its strategic objectives and reputation.
• Engages regional stakeholders to understand evolving transportation, business, tourism, workforce, and economic development needs and opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field. An MBA or other relevant graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in airport management or a similarly complex transportation, infrastructure, or operational environment, including significant responsibility for operations, strategic planning, and team leadership. Experience leading major projects and organizational transformation initiatives is an asset.
• Certified Member (C.M.) or Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required airport security clearances and access privileges.
Skills & Capabilities
• Superior knowledge of operational functions and principles that result in a safe, secure, effective and efficient airport operation.
• Strong ethical leadership.
• Superior interpersonal and negotiating skills in both internal and external settings.
• Significant experience developing policies and procedures that ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and international best practices.
• Experience in project management required, including the delivery of large scale, high value projects or initiatives.
• 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 efficiency and streamline new processes through analysis and innovation.
• Curious about the “why” and able to thrive in ambiguity to bring options and provide recommendation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively during operational disruptions, emergencies, and time-sensitive situations while maintaining a focus on safety, compliance, service delivery, and stakeholder coordination.
• Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management.
What we Offer
The expected annual compensation for this position includes a base salary of USD $165,000 to $185,000, plus eligibility to participate in the Company's annual incentive program. Beyond competitive compensation, we offer career progression opportunities, access to a global team of talented professionals, and boundless opportunities to make your mark within our organization. If you share our sense of adventure, we invite you to join us on the journey.
Primary Work Location: On-Site at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
Work Authorization: Only qualified candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States will be considered.
AI Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence-powered tools to support candidate sourcing. All applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition and Hiring teams, and all selection and hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers.
Vacancy Disclosure: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills. As a global organization, we believe that a diverse, inclusive, and empowered workforce strengthens our ability to innovate and succeed. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and thrive.
Accommodation for Applicants
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@vantagegroup.com We will work with you to provide appropriate support, and requesting an accommodation will not affect your consideration for employment.
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