Director, Concessions

Kenton County AP External•Cincinnati, OH

11d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Maintains Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) clearance
Obtain/maintain position appropriate NIMS & emergency training as applicable
Valid driver's license
Ability to obtain and maintain position appropriate Federal security clearance
This position requires driving on the airfield ramps
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
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

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

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