General Manager, Midway Partnership

Vantage Group•Chicago, IL

10d•$126,000 - $158,000•Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager leads and oversees concession operations at Midway International Airport on behalf of Midway Partnership. The role focuses on maximizing non-aeronautical revenue, enhancing the customer experience, and strengthening the airport’s competitive position through effective commercial strategy and operational excellence. The General Manager leads commercial and operational improvement initiatives to drive revenue growth, improve operational performance, and elevate the passenger experience. The role develops and monitors performance metrics, optimizes sales and business results, manages concession and operating partner relationships, oversees budgets and operating costs, and ensures high standards of customer service and operational excellence. Through leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, the General Manager fosters a high-performing environment that supports concession partners, employees, and passengers while delivering sustainable financial results and exceptional guest experiences. Midway’s concessions program has received industry recognition, including the Richard A. Griesback Award of Excellence in Airport Concessions from ACI North America and the Best Direct Engagement Through Social and Digital Media award from the Airport Food & Beverage Awards in 2026. The position is based on-site at Midway International Airport. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The expected annual base salary is USD $126,000 to $158,000, with eligibility to participate in the Company’s annual incentive program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of related experience, including 5 years in a leadership role.
High degree of ownership, accountability, and initiative.
Collaborative, approachable, hands-on leadership approach.
Ability to thrive in entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and evolving environments.
Strong business and financial acumen, balancing strategic thinking, analytics, and creativity.
Proven ability to lead multiple priorities and projects simultaneously and deliver results on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse groups.
Ability to lead change, drive improvements, and achieve organizational objectives.
Comfort navigating ambiguity, complexity, and competing priorities.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organization, planning, prioritization, and attention to detail.
Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives to optimize concession performance, maximize revenue opportunities, and enhance the passenger experience.
Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators; benchmark results against industry standards and comparable airport and off-airport facilities.
Develop annual business plans, budgets, revenue forecasts, and promotional programs to support sales growth and commercial objectives.
Build and maintain relationships with the Chicago Department of Aviation, concessionaires, airlines, regulators, vendors, and other airport stakeholders.
Provide oversight and support to concession partners and operators, fostering collaboration, operational excellence, and achievement of business objectives.
Ensure concession operations comply with applicable agreements, standards, regulations, policies, and legislative requirements.
Manage concession-related agreements, leases, and financial obligations, including payables, receivables, operating expense recoveries, and common area maintenance charges.
Monitor industry trends, customer preferences, and emerging opportunities in travel retail and food and beverage to support business growth, product innovation, and revenue generation.
Manage third-party service providers and contractors to ensure contractual and operational requirements are met.
Partner with ownership and senior stakeholders to address complex business issues, provide recommendations, and escalate matters as appropriate.
Lead, develop, and mentor team members, fostering a positive, high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer service excellence.