Manager Commercial Services - YVR

 YVR is made up of a team of diverse people who are working collaboratively to Connect BC Proudly to the World. Safety is at the core of everything we do; we’re innovative, fun, and we invest in our people. We’re a BC Top Employer for 14 years standing, with high engagement scores, an abundance of learning and development opportunities, and a holistic approach to wellness. And we’re looking for someone to join our team.

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Vancouver Airport Authority strives for a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We support the Employment Equity Act and take measures to ensure fair employment practices and treatment of employees across our organization. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. We encourage applicants to self-identify with a designated group(s) to support our team in filling gaps in areas where we can be more diverse. We are also happy to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the selection process and while working at YVR. If you require support applying online because you are a person with a disability, please contact us at 604-303-3152 or careers@yvr.ca. Check out the reasons that make us a Top Employer at: https://content.eluta.ca/top-employer-vancouver-airport.

We have an opportunity for a permanent, full-time Manager, Commercial Services. Reporting to the Director, Passenger Retail, the successful candidate will lead the ongoing business development and planning aspects in relation to the implementation of retail, hospitality and other commercial programs at the airport.

Prior to COVID-19, YVR’s commercial program generated around $400M in terms of sales and covered more than 140 concessions in the terminal. Despite the current challenging landscape, YVR is looking to strengthen its commercial foundation and plans to reinvigorate and enhance its commercial program by providing an increased range of products and services, and introducing new brands and concepts. 

The Manager, Commercial Services will play a critical role in the time of full renewal of the commercial portfolio designed to maximize revenue and to address changing passenger sentiment. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Designing and delivering enhanced commercial program based on demographics and passenger needs
• Developing and maintaining broad commercial relationships with brands and organizations for new markets and business; determining optimal outcome (financial and experience) based on trends, expectations and long-term vision 
• Liaising with prospective tenants on commercial opportunities, product and category mix, passenger demographic, rent structure and financial models 
• Generating new prospects for available space by maintaining constant contact with tenants and/or real estate brokers
• Negotiating future concession agreements for revenue growth
• Conducting reviews of airport retail and food & beverage program, space allocation and optimal commercial mix; identifying opportunities for future revenue growth and new revenue streams
• Working with the project managers, and internal and external stakeholders in coordination of construction, as well as facilitating tenants through airport permitting process
• Co-ordinating and/or participating in regular or periodic industry meetings or conferences with or on behalf of the tenants and/or the Authority
• Fostering regular events in order to promote YVR’s commercial platforms
• Conducting market research and analysis
• Remaining current on all relevant innovations and trends related to commercial services both within the airport sector and beyond to proactively identify opportunities and respond accordingly
• Providing support and direction to the team – this includes monitoring work efforts and performance, hiring, coaching, motivating and supporting developmental activities, conducting formal evaluations and applying appropriate discipline

Key qualifications include:

• Deeply passionate about retail and hospitality with a strong appreciation for the product and understanding of the customer’s emotional experience
• Experience in a large, multi-category retail environment with a strong commercial knowledge to drive revenue and improve customer experience 
• Existing relationships with brands and strong network in business community 
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• A minimum 5 years’ recent and related experience in a planning, business development, and negotiation
• Experience with commercial leasing, lease agreements and contracts is an asset
• Exceptional leader and action-oriented self-starter who can set strategy and drive execution with a “roll up the sleeves” approach; entrepreneurial and ambitious with a “can-do” mentality
• Creative problem-solver and conceptual thinker with an ability to understand and leverage detail-oriented and analytical issues as needed
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills to work effectively with stakeholders 
• Demonstrated program management and implementation experience
• Ability to read and interpret design and construction drawings
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external candidates. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

As part of our recruitment process, short-listed candidates may be required to take part in a management assessment process.