Senior Airport Development Manager

Purpose of the role

The Senior Airport Development Manager (SnADM) leads a sub-team within the Airport Development team, driving negotiations and contracting for airport and ground handling deals, marketing programs, and other agreements as well as the management of the airport budget spend of the Airline Group. The role also involves building and managing C-level business relationships with airports, tourism bodies, and other organizations, as well as identifying and presenting new airport and route opportunities to the Senior Management team of the Airline. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a sub-team of Airport Development, setting targets, KPIs, and providing daily support and supervision 
• Act as a key contact for commercial matters with airports and ground handling partners 
• Identify new low-cost airports in assigned markets and liaise with the relevant internal stakeholders to assess attractive opportunities for the Wizz Air Group 
• Build relationships with Ministries of Transportation and Tourism and other governmental bodies to support airport development efforts 
• Run RFPs, tenders, and RFIs to select the best providers for airports, ground handling, and general sales agents 
• Develop and maintain relationships with airports, ground handling partners, and other organizations in assigned countries 
• Represent Wizz Air at route conferences and forums 
• Negotiate and manage contracts, including Airport Service Agreements (ASAs), Standard Ground Handling Agreements (SGHAs), and marketing or government support agreements 
• Collaborate with the Airport Development West Back Office Team for contract administration and cost updates in relevant systems  
• 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 West, Finance, and Controlling 
• Provide market intelligence and field information to the commercial organization 
• Participate in yearly airport and ground handling budget preparations and cost-saving projects 
• Set up action plans for achieving airport-specific targets and budgets 
• Supervise invoice checking processes and address discrepancies with suppliers 
• Launch and lead projects to enhance work effectiveness, including invoice checking, contracting, and tendering 
• Provide training to new ADMs and share best practices within the team 
• Act as deputy for the Head of Airport Development West as needed 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

• Conclude signed contracts according to planned deadlines 
• Achieve and contract the best available deal, price, or cost level per airport 
• Meet budgeted unit cost levels by service provider and market 
• Achieve year-over-year unit cost reductions by airport and service provider 
• Timely and successful project execution 
• Maintain low team attrition rates 
• Deliver own team’s goals and good performance ratings for team members 

SUBSTITUTION 

• Any ADM within the sub-team 
• Head of Airport Development (HoAD) 

Experience

• 5-7+ years overall working experience, with 4+ years relevant work experience 
• Experience or knowledge in business development, route development, network development, or airport/airline-related sales 
• Airport or airline-related experience is preferred but not required 
• Experience in financial modelling and analysis 
• Experience in commercial negotiations 

Hard skills

• Advanced/proven negotiation and interpersonal skills 
• Advanced computer skills 
• Strong leadership skills with proven people-management experience 

Education

Bachelor’s or 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