Director of Airport Concessions Business Development

A well-established, multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor with a strong national footprint in both street locations and high-traffic non-traditional venues is seeking a Director of Business Development to lead its airport concessions growth strategy.This is a high-visibility, hands-on leadership role reporting directly to the VP of Corporate Development. The successful candidate will drive new airport concession opportunities, lead complex RFP responses, build strategic partnerships, and deliver measurable revenue growth for a diverse portfolio of proprietary and partner QSR and full-service brands in a very hands-on culture.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and manage a forward-looking pipeline of airport concession opportunities, including tracking stage, probability, and timing.Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality RFP responses, ensuring compliance, strategic alignment, and on-time delivery.Build and maintain strong relationships with airport authorities, consultants, lobbyists, ACDBE/SBE partners, and brand owners.Coordinate cross-functional teams (Operations, Finance, Legal, Design, Marketing) to deliver compelling, financially sound proposals.Perform advanced financial modeling, pro forma development, and investment analysis to evaluate deal terms and long-term profitability.Support post-award transition from contract signing to unit opening.Provide strategic input on market entry, brand selection, and partnership structures.Year-One Success MetricsBuild a robust, active pipeline of qualified airport opportunities.Successfully lead or support multiple RFP submissions with a strong win rate.Establish productive new relationships with key airport stakeholders and industry partners.Earn trust across internal teams as the go-to leader for organized, proactive business development processes.Ideal Candidate Profile7–10+ years of progressive experience in airport concessions business development, leasing, or related high-traffic venue growth.Deep, recent knowledge of the RFP process, ACDBE/SBE requirements, and joint-venture structures.Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint with strong financial modeling and analytical skills is a must.Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.Excellent relationship-building and cross-functional leadership skills.Comfortable in a flat, entrepreneurial “roll-up-your-sleeves” culture with limited support staff.This is a hybrid role based in northern New Jersey. Candidates must be within reasonable commuting distance, limited relocation assistance. Extensive overnight domestic travel is required.Compensation to $150K, bonus, and benefits packaging including health, dental, vision, life, retirement, flexible spending, employee assistance program, and others.If you are a strategic, hands-on business development professional with a proven airport concessions experience and thrive in a nimble, growth-oriented environment, we encourage you to respond.To be considered, please submit your resume and a brief note on your most relevant airport concessions achievements.All inquiries will be handled with complete confidentiality.