Commercial Food and Beverage Manager

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) is the developer and manager of the award-winning brand-new Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport. LGP’s approach to guest experience and terminal design and operation leads the industry. Terminal B has achieved many ‘firsts’ – including being the first terminal in North America to earn a perfect 5-star rating from Skytrax and the first airport terminal project to achieve LEED Gold v4 for design and construction. In addition, Terminal B was named World’s Best New Airport Terminal.

Job Summary

The commercial programs, including the retail and service businesses, at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B are core components of LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ (LGP) business plan and financial model. The Manager, Commercial will be responsible for the successful development, leasing, activation and management of the retail and services programs, partners and businesses throughout all existing and new areas of Terminal B. The Manager will oversee the operational and financial performance of such partners and businesses with the objectives of maximizing commercial (non-aeronautical) revenue, expanding the Terminal’s commercial offerings, enhancing LGP’s and Terminal B’s competitive positions, and elevating guest service and experience. The Manager will develop and implement strategies and plans to optimize business performance and drive additional revenue by creating, identifying, and pursuing opportunities for new and existing commercial concepts, brands and tenant partners. Additionally, the Manager will play a key role in developing and evolving the overall commercial leasing and business strategy and space planning for Terminal B. The primary focus of this Manager will be to create a diverse, innovative, and financially strong commercial program at Terminal B. The Manager will report directly to the Director, Commercial Operations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish, manage, and maintain strong relationships with commercial partners, partner agencies and other stakeholders, including government regulatory agencies, local governments, airlines, vendors, sub-concessionaires, consumer groups and the airport business community.
• Conduct daily/weekly operations and concession performance visits to monitor quality assurance, guest experience, and lease compliance.
• Audit Commercial Partner operations to ensure compliance with Lease requirements and Standard Operating Procedures and work constructively with Commercial Partners to resolve issues as they arise.
• Monitor commercial performance by establishing and using suitable KPIs benchmarked against other airports, terminals and transit centers, shopping centers, and other comparable non-airport facilities.
• Develop and implement successful commercial strategies, plans, campaigns, and programs to ensure maximum performance, annual growth in sales and sales per passenger, and increased revenues.
• Manage the guest experience program that includes mystery shops, passenger engagement surveys, employee incentives and employee learning & development to ensure the highest level of guest service to passengers.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing and guest experience teams on entertainment, activations, promotions and other sales driving and experiential initiatives.
• Assist with the development of annual budgets and business plans for the Commercial Team.
• Develop appropriate processes, systems, and methods to understand the current travel retail environment, trends and influences on customer buying patterns with a view to the development of new product offerings.
• Ensure regular reporting and coordination within LGP and to its external partners and stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation, procurement and/or administration of all sub-contracts relating to commercial businesses, including concessions, office, storage and other space rental, advertising, property development, etc.
• Lead and mentor Commercial team members. Promote and maintain strong team morale.
• Represent LGP in community- and privately sponsored events that add value to LGP and the local community and foster good relations and community growth.
• May provide additional support and assistance to the development of community, government, and industry relationships.
• Provide input to the annual plan and yearly budget as it relates to the Commercial Operations.
• Provide support to other teams and commercial partners for the smooth transition into new premises.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure continued services during Irregular Operations
• Maintain accountability for revenue projections of Food & Beverage.
• Monitor contractual terms.
• Perform all other duties as required.

Community

• Service as one of the ambassadors for the Company in the community as directed by the Director, Commercial Operations, and the Chief Operating Officer.
• Represent the Company to industry.
• Participate in community and privately sponsored events that add value to LaGuardia Gateway Partners and its growth.

Competencies and Skills

• A passion for excellence in hospitality.
• Proven track record of overseeing high-revenue streams.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Proficiency in a variety of technology systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Payroll, POS, and COGS Systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and digitally.
• Excellent strategic planning skills with an emphasis on delivering, executing, and assessing action plans.
• Ability to effectively solve and deal with a variety of changing situations under stress.
• Self-driven, results-oriented, and proactive attitude.
• A solid track record of leading high-caliber service.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Real Estate, Marketing, or other related areas preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of commercial/concessions management experience in an airport or real estate/mixed use retail environment, in Food & Beverage, services development.
• Three or more years of leadership and management involving direct and indirect reports.

Primary Work Location: LaGuardia Airport, NY (Onsite)

Employee Status: Full Time, Nights/Weekends as Required

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action

LaGuardia Gateway Partners provides equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Further, it is the policy of LaGuardia Gateway Partners to undertake affirmative action in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.