Manager, Airline Relations

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority • San Diego, CA

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance & Airline Relations department is looking for a Manager, Airline Relations with a strategic partnership focus on strengthening relationships with our airline partners while supporting the operational and financial goals of the Airport Authority. This role leads the team responsible for airline asset management and agreement administration while serving as a key liaison between the Airport Authority and its airline partners. At the heart of airport operations, the Manager collaborates across departments and with airline stakeholders to ensure agreements, operational needs, and strategic priorities remain aligned.
The ideal candidate has already built a career working at the intersection of airlines and airports. They bring experience managing or supporting airline agreements, working with aviation-related assets or commercial programs, and collaborating with airline partners on operational or strategic initiatives. They understand the financial and operational implications behind airline agreements and are comfortable representing their organization in complex, high-trust discussions with airline stakeholders.
As a leader of the Authority’s Airline Relations team, this role will be key in preparing the organization for upcoming airline lease negotiations. For aviation professionals who have built their careers working with airline partners, this role offers the opportunity to apply that experience in one of the country’s most operationally complex and dynamic airport environments.

Requirements

• Ten years of experience involving commercial business development, asset management, property management, and/ or airport management of which three (3) years involved overseeing a team of management, and/or airport management professionals, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business or public administration, real estate, finance, architecture, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.
• Leadership: Engages and motivates individuals and teams to deliver results by defining work objectives, setting expectations, and recognizing achievements; ensures high productivity and commitment of team members by maintaining effective communication and relationships.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Aviation-related revenue project development, asset management, property management and/or airport management experience is preferred.
• Relationship Management: Proven results establishing strong interpersonal business relationships at all levels and across diverse cultures; effectively facilitate service delivery; experience with commitment towards outcomes and to ensure favorable customer experience are maintained.
• Problem-Solving/Agility: Aptitude to work independently and demonstrated sound judgment in ambiguous situations; demonstrated aptitude to deliver results in a matrixed, cross-functional organization; ability to think strategically, synthesize business/financial data and develop innovative solutions.
• Project Management: Accurately assesses project scope, budget, and timeline by determining required process steps and resources needed to achieve defined outcomes and objectives.
• Influence: Communicates and writes proficiently to gain others’ support for ideas, proposals, projects, and solutions; articulates clear rationale and is assertive while exhibiting flexibility.
• Levering Technology: Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Designation as an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) or Certified Member (CM), International Airport Professional (IAP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with airline partners while representing the Airport Authority in airline meetings, advisory groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Work closely with internal teams, airlines, and stakeholders to ensure operational needs, agreements, and strategic priorities remain aligned.
• Oversee airline asset management programs including space allocation, planning, and tenant improvement projects.
• Ensure airline facilities, operational needs, and airport development initiatives remain coordinated in a dynamic operating environment.
• Lead the development, analysis, and negotiation of complex airline agreements and related contracts, ensuring alignment between operational requirements, financial goals, and regulatory obligations.
• Guide asset management programs and initiatives by defining project scope, establishing goals, and ensuring successful delivery on schedule and within budget.
• Review key reports, project plans, and documentation to maintain progress and accountability.
• Evaluate financial and business models tied to airline agreements and airport commercial programs.
• Translate financial and operational insights into strategic recommendations that support long-term airport and airline success.
• Direct the preparation and execution procurement processes related to airline agreements and commercial initiatives while ensuring compliance with lease terms and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays
• 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO)
• Parental and child care benefits
• Salary continuance for family & parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan
• Annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees