Commercial Director

Cardiff Airport; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff Airport is seeking a commercially driven Commercial Director to join the Executive Management Team to shape Wales' future growth and connectivity. Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the Airport's commercial portfolio and drive sustainable revenue growth across aeronautical and non-aeronautical streams.

You will build strategic partnerships, lead route development and commercial negotiations, and influence the market position while travelling to build key relationships across the UK and

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience at executive or board level in aviation or related sectors.
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth through route development, partnerships, and commercial negotiations.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Drive sustainable growth in passenger volumes, cargo operations and revenues.
• Lead route development, airline engagement and commercial negotiations.
• Develop innovative commercial partnerships and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Enhance the Airport's commercial proposition, customer experience and market position.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Business Development and Marketing teams.
• Build influential relationships with airlines, cargo operators, commercial partners, government bodies and key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the wider strategic direction, culture and performance of Cardiff Airport as a member of the Executive Management Team.

Skills

Executive leadership

Aviation industry knowledge

Strategic partnerships

Commercial leadership

Job description

Are you a commercially driven leader with the vision, ambition and expertise to help shape the future growth and connectivity of Wales?

Cardiff Airport is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation, and we are seeking an exceptional Commercial Director to join our Executive Management Team.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this newly created role will lead the strategic direction and performance of the Airport's commercial portfolio, driving sustainable revenue growth, increasing passenger numbers, expanding cargo operations and strengthening Cardiff Airport's position within a highly competitive aviation market. As a key member of the Executive Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Airport's growth ambitions while creating long-term value for the business.

The opportunity

You will be accountable for all commercial activity across the Airport, leading the development and delivery of strategies that maximise both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving sustainable growth in passenger volumes, cargo operations and commercial revenues.
• Leading route development, airline engagement and strategic commercial negotiations.
• Developing innovative commercial partnerships and identifying new revenue opportunities.
• Enhancing the Airport's commercial proposition, customer experience and market position.
• Providing strategic leadership to the Business Development and Marketing teams.
• Building influential relationships with airlines, cargo operators, commercial partners, government bodies and key stakeholders.
• Contributing to the wider strategic direction, culture and performance of Cardiff Airport as a member of the Executive Management Team.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an accomplished commercial leader with a proven track record of delivering sustainable growth, building strategic partnerships and leading high-performing teams.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within aviation, transport, tourism or a similarly complex commercial environment, with accountability for business growth and commercial performance at Executive or Board level.
• Strong knowledge of airport commercial operations, including aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams, route development, cargo operations, customer growth strategies and wider aviation market dynamics.
• A proven track record of delivering revenue growth through business development, strategic partnerships, market expansion, commercial negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience of strategic planning, budgeting, revenue optimisation and using data and insight to inform decision-making.
• Experience leading marketing, brand, communications and customer engagement strategies, alongside the ability to build, motivate and develop high-performing teams and influence a broad range of senior stakeholders.

You will be comfortable working flexibly to meet the needs of the business and travelling regularly throughout the UK and internationally to build strategic relationships, represent Cardiff Airport within the aviation industry and identify new commercial opportunities.

Why Cardiff Airport?

This is a rare opportunity to join the Executive Management Team at Wales' national airport and play a leading role in shaping its future. You will have the opportunity to influence strategy, drive growth, strengthen connectivity, support economic prosperity and help position Cardiff Airport for long-term success.

We believe that a diverse workforce and inclusive culture make us stronger. We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage candidates from all sections of our community to apply.

If you are an ambitious commercial leader looking to make a lasting impact on the future of Cardiff Airport and Wales, we'd love to hear from you.