Director, Concessions

CLASS SUMMARY:

Responsible for CVG Airport's concessions program. Reports to and collaborates with the Vice President of Commercial Management.  This role owns the concessions P&L, sets and delivers annual and multiyear revenue targets, and positions CVG Airport a market leader through trendsetting concepts, premium offerings, technology modernization, and a mandated customer-first strategy. This position develops a portfolio strategy that reflects CVG Airport’s unique passenger mix, ensuring offerings meet the needs of diverse traveler profiles, while maintaining a consistently excellent customer experience. The Director leads capital planning for concession spaces, negotiates complex agreements with national and local brands, collaborates on federal grant requirements and compliance, and presents performance insights
and actionable investment cases to senior leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Directs, delegates and reviews assigned work. Provides coaching, counseling and staff development. Evaluates performance and applies organizational policies and procedures.


• Own concessions P&L; set and deliver annual/multi-year revenue targets; provide monthly performance dashboards and recommendations to senior leadership.


• Design and implement a concessions program that balances affordability and premium options to serve CVG Airport’s varied passenger demographics; optimize brand mix, pricing tiers, and product assortment to maximize satisfaction and revenue.


• Develop and enforce a customer-first strategy as a foundational principle for all concession activities; set measurable KPIs and drive continuous improvement.


• Partner with Planning & Development to design and deliver buildouts, refurbishments, and infrastructure upgrades; prioritize investments by ROI and customer impact.


• Lead strategies around digital ordering, contactless payments, loyalty programs, and operational analytics (category mix, pricing compliance, queue times).


• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to assist with federal grant requirements; ensure concession agreements and operations comply with DOT FAA guidance.


• Support implementation of the Small Business Element (SBE) by identifying opportunities for small business participation and reducing unnecessary bundling.


• Lead procurement strategy and complex negotiations with national and local brands; structure performance-based agreements and SLAs.


• Oversee daily performance via in-house teams and operators; ensure PCI compliance, pricing integrity, insurance/surety, and audit readiness.


• Build and develop a high-performing, strengths-based team; establish clear accountability; coach leaders; and create succession pipelines across operations, development/leasing, and analytics/systems.


• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to elevate wayfinding, merchandising, and digital engagement initiatives.


• Present strategic performance insights and investment cases to senior leadership. 


• Responsible for all contract management activities as documented in KCAB Policy 1014, Contract Management. As the subject matter expert, responsible for all key aspects of contract management ensuring KCAB’s interests are represented in any business activities regarding the agreement.


• Prepares and monitors the department budget.

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Business, Finance, Hospitality/Retail, Real Estate, Transportation/Aviation) and 10 years of related experience; minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.  Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

Required
• Maintains Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) clearance
• Obtain/maintain position appropriate NIMS & emergency training as applicable
• Valid driver's license

Additional Security Levels Required
• Ability to obtain and maintain position appropriate Federal security clearance

Airfield Driving

• This position requires driving on the airfield ramps

DEMONSTRATED SKILL IN:

• Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and KPI management (Excel/Power BI)
• Concessions technology stack (digital ordering, payments, loyalty), space planning/design, merchandising, and operator selection best practices
• Knowledge of DOT FAA guidance, federal grant requirements, and collaborative compliance practices
• Executive presence and cross-functional influence; ability to present to senior leadership
• Clearly and effectively communicating, negotiating, and advocating, both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective, fair, cooperative, collaborative, and respectful relationships with internal and external colleagues, peers, work teams, and workgroups
• Use of independent judgment
• Strengths-based leadership over employee and contracted teams

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Management techniques
• Critical thinking
• Airport operations, policies, and procedures
• Local, State, and Federal regulations regarding food and health codes
• Contract management
• Project management
• Financial management
• Industry trends affecting the Airport Concessions program

Why Join Us?

BENEFITS:  (Full Time Positions)

• 100% Employer Paid Health & Wellness Center


• Comprehensive Insurance Options: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, including a $0 premium medical plan option and no spousal surcharge


• CVG CARES: $2,500 employer paid childcare subsidy


• Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account


• Retirement Plans: Employer and employee contributions to KY Public Pension Authority retirement plan


• KY Deferred Comp Plans: 401(k) and 457 options


• Generous Paid Time Off: Including 10 holidays a year


• Employee Assistance Program


• Voluntary Wellness Program: Earn financial incentives and paid time off


• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Programs


• Performance Reward Program (potential to earn up to $2100.00 annually)


• Onsite Fitness Facilities

Don’t meet every requirement?

If you are excited to make a positive impact for our region, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for CVG Airport, whether it be this role or another.