Manager, Airline Relations

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority • Full-time • San Diego, CA, US • $109.21k - $191.12k / year • 1m ago

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

Advance Airport Development
Transform the Customer Experience
Optimize Ongoing Business
Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline
Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department
Salary: The hiring salary for Manager, Airline Relations is $150,165-$160,677. The full pay range for Manager, Airline Relations is $109,210-$191,119
Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 - 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails

About the Job:

The Finance & Airline Relations department is looking for a Manager, Airline Relations with a strategic partnership focus on strengthening relationships with our airline partners while supporting the operational and financial goals of the Airport Authority. This role leads the team responsible for airline asset management and agreement administration while serving as a key liaison between the Airport Authority and its airline partners. At the heart of airport operations, the Manager collaborates across departments and with airline stakeholders to ensure agreements, operational needs, and strategic priorities remain aligned.

The ideal candidate has already built a career working at the intersection of airlines and airports. They bring experience managing or supporting airline agreements, working with aviation-related assets or commercial programs, and collaborating with airline partners on operational or strategic initiatives. They understand the financial and operational implications behind airline agreements and are comfortable representing their organization in complex, high-trust discussions with airline stakeholders.

As a leader of the Authority's Airline Relations team, this role will be key in preparing the organization for upcoming airline lease negotiations. For aviation professionals who have built their careers working with airline partners, this role offers the opportunity to apply that experience in one of the country's most operationally complex and dynamic airport environments.

What You'll Do:

Airline Partnerships & Stakeholder Coordination: Build and maintain trusted relationships with airline partners while representing the Airport Authority in airline meetings, advisory groups, and collaborative initiatives. Work closely with internal teams, airlines, and stakeholders to ensure operational needs, agreements, and strategic priorities remain aligned
Airline Asset Management & Space Strategy: Oversee airline asset management programs including space allocation, planning, and tenant improvement projects. Ensure airline facilities, operational needs, and airport development initiatives remain coordinated in a dynamic operating environment
Contracts & Airline Agreements: Lead the development, analysis, and negotiation of complex airline agreements and related contracts, ensuring alignment between operational requirements, financial goals, and regulatory obligations
Program & Project Leadership: Guide asset management programs and initiatives by defining project scope, establishing goals, and ensuring successful delivery on schedule and within budget. Review key reports, project plans, and documentation to maintain progress and accountability
Financial & Business Analysis: Evaluate financial and business models tied to airline agreements and airport commercial programs. Translate financial and operational insights into strategic recommendations that support long-term airport and airline success
Procurement & Compliance: Direct the preparation and execution procurement processes related to airline agreements and commercial initiatives while ensuring compliance with lease terms and regulatory requirements

The Skills You Need:

Leadership: Engages and motivates individuals and teams to deliver results by defining work objectives, setting expectations, and recognizing achievements; ensures high productivity and commitment of team members by maintaining effective communication and relationships
Regulatory Knowledge: Aviation-related revenue project development, asset management, property management and/or airport management experience is preferred;
Relationship Management: Proven results establishing strong interpersonal business relationships at all levels and across diverse cultures; effectively facilitate service delivery; experience with commitment towards outcomes and to ensure favorable customer experience are maintained;
Problem-Solving/Agility: Aptitude to work independently and demonstrated sound judgment in ambiguous situations; demonstrated aptitude to deliver results in a matrixed, cross-functional organization; ability to think strategically, synthesize business/financial data and develop innovative solutions
Project Management: Accurately assesses project scope, budget, and timeline by determining required process steps and resources needed to achieve defined outcomes and objectives;
Influence: Communicates and writes proficiently to gain others' support for ideas, proposals, projects, and solutions; articulates clear rationale and is assertive while exhibiting flexibility.
Levering Technology: Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

About the Team:

The Finance & Airline Relations team oversees airline budgets, treasury functions, financial performance, and agreement management. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a finance organization while working directly with various airport tenants in a highly collaborative environment. You'll join a team of experienced, professional, and genuinely fun colleagues who value strong relationships, clear communication, and smart, data‑driven decision‑making.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**:

Ten years of experience involving commercial business development, asset management, property management, and/ or airport management of which three (3) years involved overseeing a team of management, and/or airport management professionals, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business or public administration, real estate, finance, architecture, construction management, or a closely related field.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

Maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

Designation as an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) or Certified Member (CM), International Airport Professional (IAP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Don't meet every requirement? That's okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don't—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it's not the right fit, we'll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.