Job Description

The Head of Retail and Food & Beverages is responsible for leading and managing the strategic development, operations, leasing, customer service, and performance of retail and F&B services at Abu Dhabi Airports. The role plays a vital part in driving non-aeronautical revenue growth by attracting new concessionaires, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring efficient operational execution across all retail and F&B outlets. The position requires a forward-thinking leader to implement future-focused initiatives and contribute to the long-term commercial success of the airport's retail and food services.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sectional objectives aligned with departmental and organizational strategies.


Lead long-term forecasting, strategic business planning, budgeting, and reporting.


Drive retail and F&B income projections, space planning, rent structuring, and operator selection.


Define and monitor KPIs to ensure alignment with strategic scorecards.


Guide budget optimization efforts and manage concession-related financial planning.


Oversee compliance with license agreements, including financial and insurance requirements.


Recruit, train, and mentor team members, with a focus on Emiratization and succession planning.


Negotiate and manage all retail, F&B, and duty-free concession agreements and amendments.


Build and maintain relationships with concessionaires and regulatory authorities.


Analyze retail mix and develop new retail and F&B opportunities.


Manage pipeline of prospective partners with financial and commercial benchmarking.


Ensure policies and SOPs are in place for F&B concessions in coordination with food authorities.


Monitor and improve concessionaire performance through KPIs and remedial action plans.


Develop marketing and revenue strategies to maximize EBITDA and customer satisfaction.


Conduct benchmarking, mystery shopping, and implement customer feedback tracking systems.


Lead contract negotiations to maximize airport visibility and revenue potential.


Manage the commercial marketing and project budgets for retail and F&B initiatives.


Ensure all activities comply with internal policies, legal, risk, and quality frameworks.


Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to balance commercial and operational needs.


Participate in internal audits and contribute to periodic reporting and compliance reviews.


Recommend revenue-enhancing and cost-saving opportunities.


Drive change management and digital transformation within the section.

Requirements and Skills

Education & Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, or a related field.


Certification in Retail Sales Management or Marketing is an added advantage.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of experience in Retail or F&B.


At least 5 years in a leadership role within a similar division.

Key Competencies:

Strong commercial acumen.


Proven record of driving profitable growth.


Strategic business management and decision-making.


Leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.


Budget management and contract negotiation expertise.


Knowledge of operational compliance, marketing, and performance analysis.