Bahamas Airports Portfolio – Executive Director

Bahamas Airports Portfolio – Executive Director

Location: Tampa, FL with frequent travel to the Bahamas and other locations if necessary

Job Type: Full time

The Company

Plenary is a leading specialized developer of long-term Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.  Since its inception in 2005, we have built a portfolio of more than 60 projects and more than $30 billion in North American assets under management. We are determined in our approach to deliver first-class infrastructure, build the right delivery solutions for the projects we work on, and inspire people with our vision for transformational spaces.

Why work for Plenary? 

Recognized as a Great Place to Work in both the US and Canada, we pride ourselves on our winning workplace culture.  Our focus is on empowering our employees, driving results, building strong camaraderie, and celebrating our wins as a team.  Our workplace culture is like no other and is our driving force to bring infrastructure to life.  Learn more about us by visiting www.plenaryamericas.com

About the Role

The Executive Director of Plenary Airports will manage the successful operations, financial performance, and air service growth of Plenary’s Bahamas Airport concessions, including the South Bimini International Airport, North Eleuthera International Airport, Governor’s Harbour International Airport, and Exuma International Airport, with potential for additional airport projects to join the portfolio over time.

Reporting to Plenary’s Group Co-Head of Project Structuring and Investment and the board of Plenary’s Bahamas Airports investment companies, comprised of Plenary’s executive leadership, the Executive Director will have significant autonomy but will collaborate closely with executive leadership and prepare formal quarterly reports for the board.

The Executive Director will ensure the portfolio operates in compliance with Concession Management Agreement obligations and approved budgets, aiming to achieve target profits and investment returns. Key responsibilities include efficiently implementing initial capital investment programs, proposing detailed annual budgets and operational plans, identifying major maintenance and future capital expenditure programs, driving air service growth, and identifying and managing/implementing commercial and concession strategies and arrangements.

On the ground operation of the airports has been contracted to be performed under a turn-key operations and maintenance management contract with Avports, an airport operations business. All direct airport staff will be employed by Avports and primarily managed by Avports’ project-dedicated Airport Directors. The Executive Director will have oversight, decision making, and management responsibility of Avports, their Airport Directors, their performance, budgeting, and all airport operations elements. The Executive Director will work directly with Plenary’s financial administration and reporting team, as well as Plenary’s construction project managers, and will manage, integrate and coordinate the efforts of all these parties to ensure successful outcomes.

Significant air service development and commercial/contract management of the airports are primary objectives of the role of the Executive Director. Third party consultants have been engaged which indicate that there is ample opportunity to add routes and airlines, increase aircraft sizes and frequencies, and grow enplanements and GA airlift at all four airports, both based on existing island accommodations and amenities, and from planned island developments. The Executive Director will lead engagement efforts with airlines and collaborate with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, contracted air service development and marketing consultants, and local businesses to expand air service and enhance the portfolio’s success. The Executive Director will also undertake the efforts to identify and contract concessions and other airport tenants such as FBOs, cargo, etc.

This role requires a unique combination of airport industry knowledge, detail-oriented P&L management in a lean environment, strong commercial capabilities, methodical organization of complex responsibilities and information, and a focused but flexible approach that can deliver business success in the Bahamas.

Responsibilities:

• Detailed oversight and guidance of airport operations to meet Concession Management Agreement obligations and financial performance targets / budgets
• Develop and propose annual budgets, commercial strategies, operational plans, and maintenance and future capital expenditure programs, acting as the primary creator of these deliverables for Plenary, including integration of plans and budgets from key subcontractors into a single, enterprise-level work product without significant reliance on other Plenary resources
• Ensure effective coordination and implementation of responsibilities between Plenary and Bahamian government agencies (such as airport security, ARFF, immigration/customs, CAAB, BANSA, etc.) to deliver safe and consistent airport operations
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the concession agreements and related sub-agreements (e.g. operations contract and construction contracts, etc.), and manage development and negotiation of new contracts (e.g. leases, FBOs, airline use agreements, major maintenance/construction contracts, etc.)
• Oversee implementation of major capital programs within established budgets
• Develop and implement strategy, including preparation of supporting information, to drive new and enhanced air service at each of the airports, with support from third party consultants
• Act as the leader of Plenary’s Bahamas airports business – developing strong working relationships with key governmental personnel and agencies, leading and coordinating Plenary’s team in order to effectively ensure required support in identified priority areas
• Prepare regular monthly and quarterly reports regarding the project performance and status for Plenary’s senior leadership team and the board of Plenary’s Bahamas Airports investment companies
• Prepare and/or review project documentation and correspondence (e.g. change orders, delay and/or compensation requests, dispute notices, required submissions) and ensure compliance with associated processes pursuant to the various project agreements
• Drive profitability, investment returns, and efficient execution of capital investment programs
• Assist with identifying additional potential airport concession opportunities, both within and outside of the Bahamas, and supporting the Plenary investment team in pursuing and securing contracts for identified opportunities

Key Skills and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in engineering, business, finance, law, or similar industry/field.
• Expertise in Airport Operations: In-depth knowledge of successful airport operations and management, with minimum 15 years’ experience.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of ICAO standards and other relevant airport and airline regulations specific to airports of similar size and function.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: Hands-on executive with a proactive, results-oriented, entrepreneurial mindset, adept at thriving in a lean organizational environment – both a doer and a leader.
• Commercial Acumen: Skilled in reviewing, developing, and negotiating commercial agreements, identifying new revenue opportunities, and managing cost-efficient staffing strategies, including career development and training programs.
• Project Oversight: Proficient in overseeing planning, design, development, and construction projects, ensuring delivery and identifying strategies and solutions within strict budget constraints.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement flexible, innovative solutions to achieve organizational objectives.
• Industry Relationships: Strong connections within the airline industry and expertise in airline route development.
• Regional Expertise: Understanding and capability to navigate and drive successful outcomes in the Bahamas/Caribbean context.
• Communication Styles: Ability to communicate professionally in emails, meetings and professional correspondence and tailor communication style to different situations and recipients (subcontractors, government officials, customers, Plenary board)
• Microsoft Office: At minimum an intermediate understanding of key Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to effectively use these applications to generate work product (budgets, plans, letters, etc.).

What we offer:

• Competitive salary with annual bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision, and 401k with employer contribution
• Four weeks' vacation
• Long-term development opportunities and the ability to be part of an exciting and growing industry

Note: Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest. We are committed to continuous improvement and a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Plenary Americas is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and employment decisions are based on merit and business needs only. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.