General Manager, Midway Partnership

Vantage Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 126,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Job summary

Vantage Group is seeking a General Manager to oversee concession operations at Midway International Airport on behalf of Midway Partnership. The role focuses on maximizing non-aeronautical revenue, enhancing the customer experience, and strengthening the airport's competitive position through a robust commercial strategy and operational excellence.

The General Manager will lead commercial initiatives, monitor performance, manage concession partners, and ensure financial discipline while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business Administration or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in commercial operations, concessions management, airport management, hospitality, retail, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives that optimize concession performance, maximize revenue opportunities, and enhance the passenger experience.
• Drive commercial performance through KPIs, benchmarking against industry standards and similar facilities.
• Develop annual business plans, budgets, revenue forecasts, and promotional programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with the Chicago Department of Aviation, concessionaires, airlines, regulators, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee concession partners and operators, fostering collaboration and operational excellence.
• Ensure concession operations comply with agreements, standards, and regulations.
• Manage concession-related agreements, leases, payables, receivables, and CAM charges.
• Monitor industry trends, customer preferences, and opportunities in travel retail and F&B.
• Manage performance of third-party service providers and contractors.
• Partner with ownership and senior stakeholders to address complex business issues.
• Lead, develop, and mentor team members, maintaining accountability and customer service excellence.

Skills

Ownership

Accountability

Initiative

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytics

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Ambiguity navigation

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business Administration or a related field

Job description

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services. Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location. Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve. Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors. Visit avantagegroup.com to learn more.

Position Summary

The General Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing concession operations at Midway International Airport on behalf of Midway Partnership. The role focuses on maximizing non-aeronautical revenue, enhancing the customer experience, and strengthening the airport's competitive position through effective commercial strategy and operational excellence.

This position is responsible for leading and implementing commercial and operational improvement initiatives that drive revenue growth, enhance operational performance, and elevate the passenger experience. Key responsibilities include developing and monitoring performance metrics, optimizing sales and business results, managing concession and operating partner relationships, overseeing budgets and operating costs, and ensuring high standards of customer service and operational excellence. Through effective leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, the General Manager fosters a high-performing environment that supports concession partners, employees, and passengers while delivering sustainable financial results and exceptional guest experiences.

Midway's concessions program is widely recognized as one of the leading airport commercial programs in North America, earning industry recognition for its innovation, customer engagement, and operational excellence. Most recently, the program received the Richard A. Griesback Award of Excellence in Airport Concessions from ACI North America, one of the airport industry's highest honors, as well as the Best Direct Engagement Through Social and Digital Media award from the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Awards in 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives that optimize concession performance, maximize revenue opportunities, and enhance the passenger experience.
• Drive commercial performance through the establishment, monitoring, and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarking results against industry standards and comparable airport and off-airport facilities.
• Develop annual business plans, budgets, revenue forecasts, and promotional programs that support sales growth and commercial objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Chicago Department of Aviation, concessionaires, airlines, regulators, vendors, and other airport stakeholders.
• Provide oversight and support to concession partners and operators, fostering collaboration, operational excellence, and achievement of business objectives.
• Ensure concession operations comply with applicable agreements, standards, regulations, policies, and legislative requirements.
• Manage concession-related agreements, leases, and financial obligations, including administration of payables, receivables, operating expense recoveries, and common area maintenance charges.
• Monitor industry trends, customer preferences, and emerging opportunities within the travel retail and food and beverage sectors to support business growth, product innovation, and revenue generation.
• Manage the performance of third-party service providers and contractors to ensure contractual and operational requirements are met.
• Partner with ownership and senior stakeholders to address complex business issues, provide recommendations, and escalated matters as appropriate.
• Lead, develop, and mentor team members, fostering a positive, high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer service excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business Administration or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial operations, concessions management, airport management, hospitality, retail, or a related field, including at least 5 years in a leadership position.

Skills & Capabilities

• Demonstrates a high degree of ownership, accountability, and initiative.
• Collaborative and approachable leader with a hands‑on, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mindset.
• Thrives in entrepreneurial, fast‑paced, and evolving environments.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to balance strategic thinking, analytics, and creativity.
• Proven ability to lead multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while delivering results on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse groups.
• Effective change leader who can drive improvements and achieve organizational objectives
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, complexity, and competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong planning, prioritization, and attention to detail.

What we Offer

The expected annual compensation for this position includes a base salary of USD $126,000 to $158,000, plus eligibility to participate in the Company's annual incentive program. Beyond competitive compensation, we offer career progression opportunities, access to a global team of talented professionals, and boundless opportunities to make your mark within our organization. If you share our sense of adventure, we invite you to join us on the journey.

Primary Work Location

On‑Site at Midway International Airport

Work Authorization

Only qualified candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

AI Disclosure

We may use artificial intelligence‑powered tools to support candidate sourcing. All applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition and Hiring teams, and all selection and hiring decisions are made by human decision‑makers.

Vacancy Disclosure

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills. As a global organization, we believe that a diverse, inclusive, and empowered workforce strengthens our ability to innovate and succeed. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and thrive.

Accommodation for Applicants

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail] We will work with you to provide appropriate support, and requesting an accommodation will not affect your consideration for employment.