Deputy General Manager-commercial operation

About the Company-Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport), named after founder of the City – Hiriya Kempegowda – has the unique distinction of being the first Greenfield Airport in India, established on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This heralded a revolution in Indian aviation, as more airports in the Country were privatised, thereafter.

Job Purpose

This strategic leadership role is crucial in shaping and delivering a future-ready commercial agenda that accelerates revenue across Retail and F&B at the airport. By harnessing market intelligence and anticipating trends, the position drives transformative initiatives and forges high-impact partnerships with premium brands, all aligned with BIAL’s business vision. The role is key to unlocking new revenue streams, embedding risk management, and empowering partners with insights for sustained growth, ensuring the airport’s continued commercial leadership and long-term success.

Principal Accountabilities

1.Strategy & Planning

• This pivotal role stands as the strategic architect of the airport’s commercial narrative, designing a future-ready agenda that propels revenue growth across Retail and F&B. As a visionary leader, the position harmonises market analytics with the airport’s inherent strengths, crafting a compelling commercial story that aligns with BIAL’s long-term vision and competitive aspirations.

2.Data-Driven Decision Making

• The role champions a culture of evidence-based decision making, harnessing advanced analytics to anticipate market trends and respond agilely to global industry dynamics. By leveraging actionable intelligence, the leader ensures that every initiative is grounded in robust data, enabling the airport to adapt swiftly and remain ahead of the curve.

3.Culture of Innovation

• At the heart of the mandate is the embedding of a culture of innovation—fostering cross-functional collaboration, experimentation, and the seamless adoption of digital transformation. The leader encourages teams to challenge conventions, pilot new concepts, and integrate emerging technologies that redefine commercial excellence.

4.Ecosystem Partnerships

• The role is instrumental in catalysing high-impact ecosystem partnerships, curating a portfolio of premium brands, and establishing collaborative frameworks that drive co-creation. Through robust engagement with both established and emerging partners, the leader shapes exclusive offerings that differentiate the airport’s commercial landscape.

5.Operational Excellence

• Accountable for setting ambitious benchmarks, the leader ensures operational rigour by developing exclusive product lines and innovative concepts tailored to evolving customer preferences. Constant monitoring of customer behaviour, coupled with agile adaptation, secures sustainable commercial outcomes and resilience in a dynamic market.

6.Culinary Standards(F&B)

• The position provides strategic direction for menu development and culinary innovation, ensuring offerings are recognised for quality and uniqueness. Leadership in concept development and quality assurance underpins the airport’s reputation as a destination for exceptional dining experiences.

7.Partner Engagement

• The leader assumes daily stewardship of partner relationships, leading negotiations on commercial offers, marketing collaborations, and joint initiatives. By building trust and maintaining transparent, open relationships, the role drives mutual growth and unlocks new revenue streams.

8.Team Development

• Committed to nurturing talent, the leader establishes coaching platforms, identifies individual developmental needs, and fosters an environment of empowerment. Open communication and collaborative problem-solving are central to building a high-performing, agile team.

9.Customer Experience

• With an unwavering focus on service excellence, the leader drives initiatives that enhance customer retention and satisfaction. Continuous feedback mechanisms and a commitment to exceptional service delivery ensure the airport’s continued commercial leadership and long-term success.

Qualifications and Skills

• Graduation/Master’s degree in F&B or related field.
• 15+years of experience.
• Proven experience in strategizing and driving revenue growth in the Retail and F&B sectors.
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective brand partnerships.
• Exceptional leadership and operational management skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and analytical abilities.