Chief Development Officer

Overview

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a Senior Vice President at Concessions International, spearheading strategies to grow, manage, and safeguard the company's portfolio across airports and related businesses throughout North America. This role involves collaborating with executive leadership on both organic and inorganic expansion, marketing initiatives, brand partnerships, and guiding the design and construction of locations. The CDO is accountable for structuring and leading the Business Development team with a focus on performance and coaching.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development plan to sustain and expand profitable airport contracts.
• Perform market analysis, research, and financial modeling to underpin growth initiatives.
• Play a pivotal role in mergers and acquisitions including scouting, modeling, and integration efforts.
• Direct marketing and brand strategies aimed at both business and consumer audiences to strengthen company presence.
• Prepare and oversee the budget for business development activities.
• Negotiate commercial leases, brand partnerships, and other contracts on the company's behalf.
• Collaborate with finance to manage capital project budgets and oversee airport location design and construction.
• Mentor, train, and develop the Business Development team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Design succession and talent management plans to ensure professional growth within the team.
• Maintain strong executive partnerships within Concessions International and parent company leadership.
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• Build and sustain relationships with aviation leaders, airlines, government officials, partners, and brands in the aviation ecosystem.
• Work with finance and the CEO to cultivate banking and financial institution relationships supporting company growth.
• Represent the company at industry organizations, conferences, and public events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Finance, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of senior business development, commercial management, or corporate real estate experience; background in airport concessions and aviation is preferred.
• Strong financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capabilities with solid business and financial knowledge.
• Expertise in managing joint ventures and understanding legal aspects relevant to business partnerships.
• Proven success in securing and negotiating complex, profitable leases and agreements.
• Established network among aviation, government, airline, joint venture, and brand stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership excellence with a track record of talent development.
• Exceptional communication skills, adept at engaging senior executives and board members.
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, including leadership and integration.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (60-75%), often on short notice.
• Presence required at the Atlanta Support Center.