Airport Development Manager

Purpose of the role

The Airport Development Manager is primarily responsible for negotiating and contracting attractive airport and ground handling deals and marketing programs for Wizz Air. The role involves managing business and contractual relationships with airports, regions, tourism bodies, and other organizations, as well as identifying and presenting new airport opportunities to the Commercial Management team. 

Responsibilities

• Identify new low-cost airports across Europe and liaise with the Network Development Team to assess opportunities for Wizz Air 
• Work with Network Management and Revenue Management teams to determine new routes and bases to add to the network 
• Develop and manage relationships with airports, ground handling partners, and other organizations in assigned regions 
• Maintain relationships across the industry and participate in route conferences and forums 
• Manage the contracting of deals with the support of the Legal Department 
• Develop forecasts and proposals to improve efficiency and reduce costs 
• Provide ad-hoc reports on airport cost-related issues to the Head of Airport Development, Finance, and Controlling 
• Introduce changes in airport or ground handling charges and fees into relevant data sheets immediately 
• Act as the key contact person for airport and ground handling partners regarding commercial matters 
• Align and manage communication between the Airport Development and operational departments 
• Develop relationships with Ministries of Transportation and Tourism and other governmental bodies to support airport development efforts 
• Represent Wizz Air in forums, press conferences, media events, or official meetings as needed 
• Provide market intelligence and field information to the commercial organization, including passenger traffic, competitor movements, and market updates 
• Participate in preparing the yearly airport and ground handling budget and follow up with Controlling on monthly cost development and savings progress 
• Support new base opening projects by facilitating related deals (crew rooms, fuel supply, parking, transfers, etc.) 
• Organize and manage airport/Ground Handling Agency selection tenders 
• Set up action plans to achieve targets and meet budget requirements for each airport and ground handler 
• Supervise checking of airport invoices and reports, liaising with Accounts Payable to resolve discrepancies 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

• Conclude signed contracts according to planned deadlines 
• Achieve and contract the best available deal, price, or cost level per airport 
• Achieve budgeted unit cost levels by service provider/market 
• Year-over-year unit cost decrease by airport/market and service provider/market 

Experience

• 3-5+ years overall working experience with 2+ years relevant experience related to purchasing or sales 
• Airport-related experience is a plus but not required 
• Experience in financial modeling and analysis 

Hard skills

• Advanced/proven negotiation and interpersonal skills 
• Advanced computer skills 

Education

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree 

Language

• Strong business English skills (spoken and written) 
• Second language is an advantage 

Skills and competencies

• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills 
• Self-motivated individual with demonstrated ownership and responsibility 
• Ability to work independently with a strong drive to exceed goals