Director - Airport Affairs

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Description

Get ready! We’re reimaging the travel experience. Our Corporate Real Estate team is on the front lines of this effort, focused on enabling United’s growth strategy at all our hubs, stations and city locations across the world. From airport affairs and business services to planning and development, this team is responsible for all our leases and major construction and renovation projects, system wide.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

Responsible for leading the development and implementation of key objectives and strategies as part of United’s corporate real estate portfolio and growth plan. Manage primary relationship with key external stakeholders including but not limited to airport authorities, airlines, applicable government entities and industry organizations. This includes leading airport negotiations on behalf of United to achieve key business outcomes. Lead a team of professionals to drive development of strategic priorities across our airport portfolio and execute implementation of plans against defined objectives and metrics. Support other duties as assigned.

Strategy

• Develop and maintain a strategic plan, goals and key performance indicators that support United corporate real estate portfolio and growth strategy

• Engage key stakeholders in the development of the plan to gather their input and obtain their commitment

• Facilitate execution of the plan with collaboration across United leadership, business units, and external stakeholders

• Collaborate across the company to drive development and administration of processes that support strategic objectives and priorities across United’s corporate real estate portfolio, including business case development, planning and negotiation

Implementation

• Manage primary relationships and drive negotiations at strategic hub airports on behalf of United with key stakeholders including but not limited to airports, airlines, and applicable public/ government entities

• Balance proactive and reactive approach to managing key responsibilities, inclusive of developing solutions and driving consensus through collaboration and communication

• Leverage knowledge of aviation industry and airport real estate environments to drive implementation of policies and initiatives across the corporate real estate portfolio that focus on cost and risk management, optimal real estate utilization, and enabling growth.

• Responsible for leading engagement in exception management, conflict resolution and strategic alignment

Leadership

• Effectively lead teams by establishing department and individual goal

• Oversee the department and individual performance and improvement plans

• Coach, counsel, and assist employees to develop individual career development and training plans

• Lead effective teams using technical knowledge and experience combined with business acumen to provide thoughtful decision making and guidance in strategic implementation of United’s objectives and initiatives

• Demonstrate solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and a commitment to creating and sustaining a culture of continual improvement and innovation

• Model integrity, possess self-awareness and fosters an environment of accountability

• Provide transparent communication to department staff, leadership, and stakeholders

• Represent United's programs and leadership at industry and other external events

• Mentor and develop a team that is empowered and engaged in the mission of the Airport Affairs Department

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Real Estate, Business Administration, or a related field

• Minimum 10 years airline/aviation real estate and airport-related contract negotiation experience

• 3 years of managerial experience related to the position

• Experience in the airline or airport industry

• Strong negotiation skills, particularly involving airline leases, airport agreements, and real estate contracts

• Experience managing large-scale capital budgets, including negotiating airport related financial terms and agreements

• Strong analytical skills, strategic/innovative thinking, and long-term vision

• Ability to “scan the horizon” and apply risk/benefit approach to emerging issues

• Strong communication and presentation skills with experience presenting to senior management and/or external audiences required

• Able to collaborate with and influence internal and external stakeholders

• Able to balance various corporate objectives

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship

• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification

• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

• Position may be based in Chicago, IL or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Up to 50% travel is required

• Hybrid work schedule requiring a combination of in-office and remote work

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master's degree

• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving

• Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security

The base pay range for this role is $159,790.00 to $207,998.00.
The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.
You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.
United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com