Senior Director of Concessions

About Us:

Welcome to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, where we operate Raleigh-Durham International Airport, a vital hub connecting North Carolina to the world. In 2024, our teamwork helped us serve 15.5 million passengers, generate a $24.1 billion economic impact, and our dedication to excellence has been recognized with a Top Five passenger satisfaction ranking in North America. We're a tight-knit team of over 400 employees where accountability and collaboration are our guiding principles, and safety is our top priority. Whether your role is indoors or outdoors, you'll be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions. We believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and professional development to help your career take flight.

About You:

You embody core values that will play a pivotal role in connecting our community to places and the people who matter most. Your commitment to continuous learning will drive innovation and growth, while your unwavering integrity ensures that our brand remains trustworthy and reputable. Your respect for colleagues and clients alike fosters a collaborative and positive environment. Your dedication to excellence in every task you undertake will elevate our brand’s standards. Lastly, your team spirit will unite our efforts and amplify our collective success.

About the Role:

Ready to help chart the course for a high-impact airport concessions program?
As Senior Director of Concessions, you’ll partner with executive leadership to drive non-aeronautical revenue, oversee tenant operations across food, beverage, retail, and passenger services, and ensure the concessions program delivers a first-class guest experience. This role blends strategy, operations, and leadership in a fast-paced, highly visible airport environment.

This is a high-visibility leadership opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the future of an airport concessions program while owning the operational details that make it successful every day.

In this role, you’ll:

• Help chart the course for non-aeronautical revenue growth through innovative concepts and strategic planning
• Play a hands-on role in enhancing the guest experience across food, beverage, retail, logistics, and passenger services
• Work closely with the Vice President of Concessions and cross-functional partners, giving you direct exposure to executive decision-making
• Lead a team and a portfolio of tenants where your decisions have visible, measurable impact
• Operate in a dynamic airport environment where no two days are the same and your leadership keeps the operation at cruising altitude

If you’re looking for a role that combines strategy, leadership, and real operational influence, this is an opportunity to make your mark.

Compensation:

• Maximum – Based on experience
• Minimum - $125, 700.84

What You’ll Do:

Strategy & Execution

• Translating strategy into tactical projects
• Developing business tools, policies, and performance metrics
• Staying current on airport dining, retail, and regional market trends

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Leading professional teams in a revenue-driven division
• Managing tenant relationships and resolving disputes
• Cross-functional collaboration (Finance, Lease Management, Marketing, Facilities)
• Representing concessions in campus-wide and stakeholder meetings

Operations, Compliance & Logistics

• Lease oversight and compliance enforcement
• Inspection programs and corrective action planning
• Oversight of logistics providers and TSA compliance
• Understanding construction, buildouts, and operational impacts

Revenue & Financial Leadership

• Non-aeronautical revenue growth strategies
• Budget development and oversight (~$1M operating/marketing)
• Sales performance analysis and pricing policy management
• Identifying and correcting underperforming tenants

Performs additional related work as required.

What You Need:

Education:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, real estate, property management, airport management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience

Experience:

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial real estate, shopping centers, rental cars, and/or airport concessions industries.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding revenue goals for a fast-moving organization.

Preferred:

• At least 3 years of director-level experience in commercial real estate, shopping centers, rental cars, and/or airport concessions industries.
• Experience working with senior-level management to attain and surpass corporate revenue goals.

Licenses or Certifications:

Required:

• Valid NC Driver's License

Preferred:

• Airport or Shopping Center or Commercial Management accreditation is desirable, such as: USAP, a AAAE designation, CSM, CRRP, or CCIM.

Typical Work Hours:

• 8: 00 a.m. - 5: 00 p.m., Monday - Friday

Location:

• On-site RDU Airport Campus

RDU Benefits:

At the Authority, we appreciate you and care about your health, happiness, and future. Our benefits start on day one, including medical, dental, vision, tuition assistance, employee discounts, and perks like an on-site gym, a dedicated wellness team, and frequent company and team outings. For a full list of benefit offerings, check out the RDU.com Careers Page.

A detailed job description will be provided during the recruitment screening process.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.