Head of Retail and F&B

Head of Retail and Food & Beverages – Airport Experience a Must

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for delivering world-class retail and F&B experiences in an airport environment? Join us in shaping the future of commercial excellence at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Location: Abu Dhabi

Sector: Non-Aeronautical Revenue | Retail & Concessions

Experience: 10+ years in Retail or F&B, with at least 5 years in a leadership role — airport experience required

What You’ll Lead

As the Head of Retail and F&B, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, and revenue generation of all retail and food & beverage concessions at Abu Dhabi Airports. You will play a central role in driving passenger satisfaction, elevating the commercial offering, and maximizing non-aeronautical revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the overall strategy for retail and F&B operations across the airport
• Develop a long-term commercial master plan including revenue growth targets and space optimization
• Lead the design and implementation of retail tenancy mix and casual leasing programs
• Manage the end-to-end concession lifecycle — from selection and onboarding of new partners to contract renewals and performance evaluation
• Negotiate commercial terms and ensure lease agreements support business objectives and profitability
• Forecast, track and analyze financial performance, passenger demographics, and industry trends to inform decision-making
• Monitor and manage compliance with all contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements
• Lead and coach a high-performing team of commercial professionals, ensuring continuous development and Emiratization targets are met
• Foster strong relationships with concessionaires, internal stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to maintain alignment on strategic goals
• Initiate marketing and promotional campaigns in collaboration with business partners to drive customer engagement and sales
• Oversee health, safety, and food control measures in collaboration with relevant authorities
• Establish performance measurement tools including KPI dashboards, customer feedback systems, and mystery shopper programs
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging data analytics, customer feedback, and global airport retail benchmarks
• Identify and integrate innovative technology solutions to optimize customer experience and operational efficiency
• Oversee project management and fit-out coordination for new and renovated commercial spaces

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree in Retail Management, Business Administration or a related field
• 10+ years’ experience in retail or F&B management, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Must have proven experience managing commercial operations in an airport or similar transit-oriented environment
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to lead high-value negotiations
• Experience in retail leasing, budgeting, space planning, and partner relationship management
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and complex projects
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on innovation and customer experience