Aviation Manager

Reporting to: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm (occasional travel or participation in events outside of these hours will be required)

Job Purpose: To maximise the route network, passenger numbers and market share of Belfast International Airport within the Northern Ireland/Ireland aviation market. Manage relationships with existing airlines at the airport to optimise and grow current route networks. Develop and implement plans to attract new airlines and new routes at the airport. Identify and use analytical insights to build strong business cases and develop relationships with stakeholders to deliver traffic growth. Negotiate commercial and operational terms with airlines to achieve best value to the airport.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Analyse and review airline and route performance on an ongoing basis, using internal and external data sources.
• Use these insights to identify opportunities and solutions and work with the CCO to create airline propositions.
• Understand, use effectively and identify new sources of data to promote airline activity at Belfast International airport.
• Create compelling propositions for airlines, using the data-driven business cases combined with other factors including a detailed understanding of the local market as well as the aviation landscape in the UK, EU and globally.
• Work closely with the CCO to develop an aviation strategy for the airport, along with the key objectives and tasks to deliver this.
• Provide regular progress reports and updates to Senior Management.
• Work with the CCO to negotiate new airline agreements to incentivise route development and passenger growth, whilst optimising revenue, airline yields and efficiency.
• Cultivate and develop relationships with existing and potential new airlines.
• Create a schedule of airline engagement to ensure airlines are met regularly for updates and reviews, to incorporate airline forward-planning timescales.
• Work with the marketing function to cultivate and develop strong relationships with trade, travel agencies and corporate customers.
• Attend trade events and meetings as necessary and plan continued development of the airports engagement with these customers, including a potential online platform.
• Work with the marketing and advertising functions to develop and implement airline marketing plans to both support commercial agreements as well as promote routes and destinations.
• Liaise as necessary with external parties including Tourism Ireland and Visit Belfast.
• Support the commercial team and work within its wider structure to maximise the commercial performance of the airport.
• Represent Belfast International Airport at trade events, industry conferences, airline meetings and events, and other events as required.
• Understand and resolve any commercial issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Support the preparation of the department annual budget and review of costs/revenue throughout the year.
• Maintain awareness of industry and market developments and news, and interpret these as they apply to the airport, including any threats and opportunities they may present.
• Ensure that all Statutory and Company regulations regarding health and safety, fire and security are followed to protect airport users, staff members and the business interests of the Company.
• Respond/assist to any emergency appropriately, and participate in any Emergency Exercise, as detailed in the Emergency Orders within the aerodrome manual.
• Uphold the company’s information security policies and procedures, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of company data.
• Any intellectual property created in the course of employment shall remain the property of the company.
• Understand the company vision and pro-actively engage in its values: Integrity, Inclusiveness, Leadership, Teamwork, Safety & Security, Communication and Positivity, through the Performance and Development Programme.

Essential Criteria:

• KNOWLEDGE: Level 6 qualification in Business Development or Marketing qualification or relevant discipline OR Aviation Management experience in aviation sector. Full current driving licence & own transport.
• EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role within a commercial environment. Create and present accurate and concise reports. Identify trends from a broad range of data. Design and deliver presentations for a variety of internal & external stakeholders. Manage a portfolio of accounts to enhance business opportunities. Contract management and deal negotiation. Demonstrate excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Software packages such as MS Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint.
• KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of contract management. Working knowledge of financial concepts including high level interpretation of data and reports.

BEHAVIOURS: Have the ability to:

• Problem solve
• Plan & maintain direction
• Work together with team/others departments/customers, etc.
• Be customer focused
• Communicate effectively
• Effective time management
• Decision making ability
• Analytical skills
• Understand and be aware of aviation safety and security policies
• Understand and be aware of the company’s commercial & strategic objectives
• Engage with others and have a belief in people
• Coach and mentor others
• Lead and inspire others

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of the job duties and essential/desirable criteria.

Belfast International Airport Ltd. is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of society regardless of their religious belief, political opinion, gender, disability, marital status, race, age or sexual orientation.

Benefits: Recognition and Wellbeing committee, Enhanced Annual Leave, Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, Group Pension Plan, Life Assurance, Free Airport Parking, Duty Free Discounts.