Belfast City Airport is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with a clear ambition to strengthen its commercial performance, enhance the passenger experience, and build on its role as a vital gateway for Northern Ireland.
As the airport advances its long-term development plans following the launch of its Master Plan 2040, this is a unique opportunity for a strategic and commercially driven Chief Commercial Officer to shape future growth, strengthen regional connectivity, maximise revenue opportunities, and lead a diverse commercial portfolio across aviation and non-aeronautical income streams.
The Core Responsibilities
- Commercial Performance & EBITDA: Formulate and execute the overarching commercial strategy to deliver sustainable cash flow, margin improvement, and long-term shareholder value.
- Aviation & Route Development: Lead airline engagement to secure high-value route development agreements that expand Northern Ireland's domestic and international connectivity.
- Non-Aero Commercial Development: Enhance and drive commercial yields across a non-aviation estate, spanning retail, food and beverage, duty-free, property, car parking, advertising, media, building strategic commercial partnerships and leading high-value procurement exercises and concession tenders across retail, hospitality, and property.
- Executive & Board Influence: Provide strategic counsel to the Board whilst acting as a senior ambassador across government, civic, and regional stakeholders.
The Successful Candidate
- Qualifications: A degree-level qualification or equivalent senior executive experience in business, aviation management, economics, finance, commercial management, property, marketing, or a closely related discipline.
- Commercial Leadership: Significant senior commercial leadership experience gained within an airport, aviation, transport, infrastructure, property, retail, hospitality, tourism, or a similarly complex commercial environment (direct aviation experience is highly advantageous, though not essential).
- Track Record & Negotiation: A demonstrable track record of delivering sustainable turnover and revenue growth across diverse portfolios, underpinned by extensive experience in major commercial negotiations, competitive tenders, contract governance, and strategic partnership management.
- Financial Acumen: Exceptional financial acumen and analytical capability, encompassing revenue forecasting, pricing strategies, budgeting, investment appraisal, business case development, and executive performance reporting.
- People & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop a high-functioning, multi-disciplinary commercial team, whilst managing senior stakeholders and contributing decisively as a member of an Executive leadership team.
Chief Commercial Officer in Belfast employer: 4C Executive Search
Belfast Harbour is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic financial leadership is not only valued but essential for driving growth and resilience. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration with key stakeholders, you will have the opportunity to influence significant investment decisions while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises innovation and excellence in one of Northern Ireland's most vital economic hubs.
