Airport Concessions Strategy Lead

Unison Consulting, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Unison Consulting, Inc. in Chicago seeks a Director of Concessions Planning to shape airport concession programs and the financial models that prove they work. You will design solutions for revenue-maximizing space, lease structures, and vendor selection while advising senior leaders.

Based on 7+ years in large-venue concessions planning, you will lead end-to-end studies, define methodologies, coordinate with clients, and deliver polished reports that drive airport outcomes.

Qualifications

• 7+ years planning, developing, and implementing F&B and retail concession programs in large venues.
• A bachelor's degree or higher.
• Deep experience in vendor solicitation, contract/lease negotiation, space planning, and revenue optimization.
• Strong financial modeling instincts to turn assumptions into pro formas and defend recommendations.
• Current knowledge of concession trends and consumer preferences in quick-serve, casual dining, and coffee.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to advise senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Build financial models behind concession programs: pro formas, break-even, cost-benefit, IRR, NPV, and ROI metrics.
• Design space plans, operator selection criteria, rent structures, and pricing policies.
• Own concession planning studies end to end: define the problem, set the methodology, coordinate execution with clients and practice leaders, and deliver polished final reports.
• Shape solicitations and agreements - RFPs, RFQs, Lease and License Agreements - and negotiate terms that work for the airport and its operators.
• Advise airport staff, senior leaders, and public stakeholders through presentations, outreach meetings, and written recommendations.
• Help grow the practice - track consumer and concession-industry trends, spot new opportunities, and strengthen competitive proposals.

Skills

Concessions planning

Financial modeling

Vendor solicitation

Contract & lease negotiation

Space planning

Revenue optimization

Presentation skills

Client advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Unison Consulting, Inc. in Chicago seeks a Director of Concessions Planning to shape airport concession programs and the financial models that prove they work. You will design solutions for revenue-maximizing space, lease structures, and vendor selection while advising senior leaders.

Based on 7+ years in large-venue concessions planning, you will lead end-to-end studies, define methodologies, coordinate with clients, and deliver polished reports that drive airport outcomes.