Director, Commercial and Air Service

Posting Information

Posting Number

CK53878P

Position Title

Director, Commercial and Air Service

No. of Staff Required

1

Position Type

FT

If Term position, enter length of Term in months

Position Groups

Management and Exempt

Division

Airport (DV105)

Department

Airport Commercial (DP254)

Department Name

Branch

Airport Commercial (BR254)

Organizational Information

Purpose of your Position - Non Union

The Director, Commercial and Air Service is responsible for leading, directing, and overseeing all aspects of Kelowna International Airport's (YLW) commercial activities including all commercial development, air service development, and business and community relations. Leads the commercial programs at the airport including master planning, land use planning and tenant development, including the development of commercial opportunities such as Food and Beverage and other commercial service levels and passenger experience improvements.

The Director, Commercial and Air Service conceptualizes, develops, and implements strategic plans in support of airport development and growth, and the diversification of aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues. The incumbent is accountable for the oversight of multimillion-dollar annual commercial budget and the successful implementation of numerous projects each year. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the CEO, the airport senior leadership team and a wide network of internal and external stakeholders and partners. The incumbent also leads a multidisciplinary team of employees and contractors.

Classification Summary - Union

Duties - Union

Results and Activities - Non union

• Lead and oversee the commercial programs at the airport including master planning, land use planning and tenant development, including the development of commercial opportunities such as Food and Beverage and other commercial service levels and passenger experience improvements.

• Lead, direct and provide executive oversight to a multimillion-dollar annual Commercial budget ensuring compliance with CEO and Council approvals, corporate policies, procedures and standards, and the responsible deployment of financial resources.

• Provide advice and recommendations to the CEO regarding all aspects of the planning, procurement and implementation of commercial activities, including air service delivery programs.

• Develop and oversee the 10-year commercial program in alignment with the airport's strategic priorities and Airport Master Plan.

• Engage with prospective developers to discuss opportunities and market air service and commercial development opportunities and influence outcomes. Negotiate resolutions on matters related to commercial development agreements, air service route development and general business development.

• Provide advice and guidance on proposed developments to support regional economic development, including the provision of technical input on long-term regional planning initiatives (e.g. City of Kelowna Official Community Plan and transportation initiatives).

• Lead air service development. Oversee the execution of strategies to improve air service operational efficiency and profitability, and in shaping the future of air service at YLW. Provide leadership in market identification, market strategy development and partnership development.

• Lead Business Development and Community Relations. Manage relationships with businesses, associations, local tourism groups, and indigenous organizations to support their businesses, and build and market the YLW brand in the community. Oversee marketing and communications related to air service, commercial developments, business development, and community relations.

• Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders (e.g. clients, service providers, partners, industry contacts, local governments, and Indigenous organizations) to collaborate on issues of mutual interest, apply influence, negotiate agreements, resolve issues and advance YLW priorities.

• Oversee a multidisciplinary team of contractors and consultants to ensure the achievement of strategic goals and

• Lead, direct, supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of employees. Manages performance and employee development, and makes hiring, discipline, and dismissal recommendations, and allocates resources.

• Participate on committees such as the Airport Advisory Council and Airport Consultative Committee.

• Prepare and/or contribute to reports, statistics, presentations, communication materials, training programs and other media.

• Contribute to the enhancement of the positive corporate culture within YLW, and the reputation of YLW within the community, region, sector, and industry.

• Maintain expertise in airport commercial and air service management trends, best practices, operations and systems.

• Perform other duties as required.

Credentials - Union

Knowledge - Non Union

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration or Commerce, Economics, Aviation Management, or Marketing, plus
• 10 years of directly related experience is required*; OR
• A minimum of 15 years of recent related experience* in a similar role.
• Directly related experience must include:
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in commercial aviation, transportation management, airport business development, airline or airport operations.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience managing diverse teams in a complex, safety-sensitive operational environment.
  • Proven track record in negotiating airline agreements, driving new route development, and generating non- aeronautical revenue (e.g. concessions, advertising, real estate).
  • Demonstrated experience in commercial lease management, concessions planning, and maximizing non – aeronautical revenue streams.
  • Strategic understanding and demonstrated experience in government advocacy on a local, provincial and federal level.
  • Experience managing commercial budgets, leading procurement initiatives, negotiating contracts and overseeing contracted service delivery.
  • Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation or Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program
  • (AMPAP), or ability to obtain within three (3) years.
• Preferred qualifications:
• A post graduate degree (e.g. MBA) is an asset.

• Professional Engineering Designation or Project Management Designation is an asset.

• Familiarity with airline route analysis tools and commercial forecasting.

• In-depth understanding of airport commercial operations, airline business models, and route development strategies.
• Strong knowledge of aviation industry trends, regulatory frameworks, and airline market dynamics.
• Specific knowledge includes Canadian Aviation Regulations, Airport Safety and Security Regulations, Master Municipal
• Construction Documents, Transport Canada Aerodrome Standards, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Standards, and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airport Development Reference Manual.
• Industry standards, best practices and security, risk management and regulatory requirements related to all aspects of airport commercial and air service program management and performance standards.
• Issues, trends and challenges related to Commercial and Air Service planning, development and implementation.
• Financial management, procurement and contract management.
• Human resource management.
• Familiarity with Airport and City of Kelowna values and ability to support an ethical, supportive, and respectful workplace culture that champions equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Skills & Abilities - Non Union

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills, presentation skills and attention to detail when communicating.
• Able to present to large audiences and to communicate complex technical concepts in a manner that can be understood by the audience.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage performance, provide coaching, training and development, motivation and corrective action when necessary.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence decision-makers, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to manage multiple complex priorities and consistently produce results within timelines.
• Decisive insight, problem solving, critical thinking and judgement skills.
• Negotiation skills and business acumen to secure and grow airline services.
• Strategic thinker with analytical mindset, problem-solving proficiency, and attention to detail.
• Customer-focused, resilient, and able to work effectively in a dynamic, stakeholder-rich environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Financial literacy and ability to manage budgets, forecast revenue, and evaluate return on investment.
• Results-oriented, adaptable, and capable of working under pressure in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• Ability to use a variety of information technologies and standard office and operation-specific software applications.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on all sensitive matters and to deal tactfully and effectively with elected officials, staff and management, media, and members of the public

Competencies

Posting Text

Physical Demands

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please attach copies of your education/membership(s) as "other documents".

Additional Hiring Information

The annual salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $175,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The salary range is currently under review.

Opportunities for salary growth are based on performance and tenure. We offer progressive employment practices and a great work environment. This is an exempt position that offers a competitive salary, employer-paid comprehensive benefits package, an earned day off program, paid vacation and one of Canada's top pension plans.

The City of Kelowna is committed to being an organization that values and reflects its community's diverse population, and to fostering an equitable, inclusive and progressive work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and feels a sense of belonging.

Pay Rate

$150,000 - $175,000 annually

Posting Date

10/27/2025

Closing Date

11/30/2025

Days of Work

Monday to Friday

Standard Hours per Day

7.5

Hours of Work

8 am – 4 pm

Work Location

KELOWNA INT'L AIRPORT

Specify Work Location

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other Document 1

• Other Document 2

• Other Document 3

• Other Document 4