Airports Project Manager (SPP)

International Air Transport Association (IATA); Genf; Hybrid; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IATA is seeking a senior professional to drive the Airports & Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP). You will collaborate with teams across IATA to expand airport participation, strengthen the airport value proposition, and grow partnerships globally.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and market analysis in a fast-paced international setting. You will report to the Head of Strategic Partnerships and work with regional sales to secure new airport participants, while

Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Aviation Management, Economics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the aviation industry, preferably in airport management or partnerships.
• Proven experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills; able to translate market insights into recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage Airports & SPP growth activities across regions.
• Conduct market research to identify airport needs and opportunities.
• Develop an airport-centric value proposition based on findings.
• Consult with internal experts to identify value-adding solutions for airports.
• Benchmark industry programs and identify best practices for SPP.
• Support development of a sustainable business model to attract airports.
• Serve as focal point for internal stakeholders in airport engagement.
• Collaborate with Regional Sales teams to identify prospects and support outreach.
• Coordinate SME engagement and follow-up actions across regions.
• Monitor progress, targets, and revenue opportunities; escalate risks and propose solutions.

Skills

Stakeholder mgmt

Business development

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Market research

Aviation knowledge

Excel

PowerPoint

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Why you will love working here

At IATA, we represent over 350 airlines worldwide, striving to make aviation safer, smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive.

• Our Values are not just words on a page - they are the energy behind everything we do: ONE IATA - We collaborate across teams, TRUSTED - We do the right thing, INNOVATIVE - We make tomorrow better, INCLUSIVE - We embrace diverse perspectives.
• With over 30,000 courses available, we believe in continuous learning and support your growth in an ever-changing industry.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our priorities. We are certified by the Equal Salary Foundation, offering equal pay and family-friendly policies.
• We encourage community involvement through volunteering and strive to make tomorrow better for aviation and our communities. We offer time off so you can support causes important to you.
• We promote work-life balance with flexible work options, including remote and hybrid work, a generous 'work from abroad' policy, and you get your birthday off!

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Contract Duration: 18 months

Why you will love working here

At IATA, we represent over 350 airlines worldwide, striving to make aviation safer, smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive.

• Our Values are not just words on a page - they are the energy behind everything we do: ONE IATA - We collaborate across teams, TRUSTED - We do the right thing, INNOVATIVE - We make tomorrow better, INCLUSIVE - We embrace diverse perspectives.
• With over 30,000 courses available, we believe in continuous learning and support your growth in an ever-changing industry.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our priorities. We are certified by the Equal Salary Foundation, offering equal pay and family-friendly policies.
• We encourage community involvement through volunteering and strive to make tomorrow better for aviation and our communities. We offer time off so you can support causes important to you.
• We promote work-life balance with flexible work options, including remote and hybrid work, a generous 'work from abroad' policy, and you get your birthday off!

About The Team You Are Joining

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, you will be part of a dynamic team and will be focusing on expanding airport participation in IATA's Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP). You will work closely with colleagues across IATA divisions and functions, as well as external stakeholders, to strengthen engagement with airports, enhance the airport value proposition, and support the growth of the Program globally.

What Your Day Would Be Like

• Coordinate and manage activities related to the Airports & SPP growth initiative.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify airport needs, challenges, priorities, and opportunities across different regions.
• Develop and refine an airport-centric value proposition based on market research findings and stakeholder feedback.
• Consult with internal subject matter experts and business units to identify solutions and services that create value for airports.
• Benchmark comparable industry programs and identify best practices that can strengthen the SPP offering for airports.
• Support the development of a sustainable business model that attracts airports to the Program and strengthens long-term engagement.
• Serve as the focal point for internal stakeholders involved in airport engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Regional Sales teams to identify prospects, support outreach activities, and help secure new airport participants.
• Coordinate SME engagement, validation activities, and follow-up actions across regions.
• Monitor project progress, participation targets, and revenue opportunities, escalating risks and proposing solutions when needed.
• Contribute to increasing airport participation in the SPP, with the objective of attracting new airports and strengthening industry collaboration globally.

We would love to hear from you if

• University degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Aviation Management, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the aviation industry, preferably in airport management, airline-airport relations, partnerships, business development, consulting, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate market insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience developing value propositions, business cases, or commercial strategies.
• Ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders and build productive working relationships.
• Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced international environment.
• Experience conducting market research, competitive analysis, or business modelling would be an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of the aviation ecosystem and an understanding of airport priorities and challenges is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of data analysis tools is an asset.
• Fluent in English. Additional languages would be an advantage.

Travel Required: 10%

Learn more about IATA’s role in the industry, our benefits, and the team at iata/careers/ . We are looking forward to hearing from you!