Executive Manager - Airline Business Development at Western Sydney International Airport

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

19 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Airline Engagement, Commercial Strategy, Negotiation, Relationship Building, Aeronautical Agreements, Commercial Negotiations, Route Development, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Presentation Skills, Problem Solving, Business Development, Executive Engagement, Segmentation Model, Contract Closing, Aviation Landscape

Industry

Airlines and Aviation

Description

We’re building a world‑class team to bring this once‑in‑a‑generation project to life and we’re now searching for an exceptional commercial aviation leader to drive airline engagement and secure the partnerships that will help define WSI’s success. Reporting to the General Manager, Airline Partnerships, this high‑impact role sits at the heart of WSI’s commercial strategy. You’ll attract, negotiate with, and secure major domestic and international airline partners ahead of opening. As we accelerate toward our target of 10 million annual passengers, you’ll lead key aspects of our Airline Engagement Program: Develop and execute a targeted airline engagement strategy that excites priority carriers and positions WSI as a compelling new market opportunity. Build and nurture senior relationships with airline network, strategy, and commercial executives globally. Lead commercial negotiations to secure aeronautical agreements with key airline customers. Create bespoke pitches and commercial narratives that showcase WSI’s unique advantages and stimulate airline interest. Represent WSI at major global aviation events, including World Routes, Asia Routes, and key tourism and industry forums. Drive continuous evaluation of airline opportunities, including developing a sophisticated segmentation model to identify high‑value targets. Collaborate across WSI to support airline marketing, route development, catchment analysis, and operational readiness planning. Strengthen partnerships with airports, airlines, tourism bodies, government agencies, and international industry stakeholders. What success looks like: Delivering high‑quality commercial agreements with priority airlines. Play a key role in producing and executing an annual Airline Engagement Plan with clear strategies, targets, and measurable outcomes. Leading impactful airline meetings, pitches, and events that directly contribute to airline acquisition. Enhancing WSI’s global presence and reputation within the aviation and tourism ecosystem. Supporting cross‑functional commercial initiatives that drive passenger growth and long‑term revenue. About you: You have deep commercial experience across airport airline development at a senior level, thriving in high‑stakes commercial environments, building trust with senior executives and know how to turn opportunity into signed agreements. Qualifications & Experience: Tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Law, Finance, or a related field. 15+ years’ experience at senior level across commercial, sales, or business development roles from the airport / airline sector. Proven success in complex commercial negotiations and closing high‑value deals. Strong, current understanding of airline and airport operations and the broader aviation landscape. Demonstrated experience delivering projects and programs to a high standard. Clear understanding of airline and airport customer needs and commercial drivers. Skills & Attributes: Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify, shape, and convert opportunities. Highly innovative with a forward‑looking mindset and a track record of creative commercial thinking. Confident challenging the status quo and turning ideas into practical, revenue‑driving strategies. Resilient, adaptable, and able to maintain momentum through complexity and change. Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Highly organised, with strong planning, prioritisation, and problem‑solving capability. Skilled at building trusted relationships across industry, government, and commercial partners. Strong negotiation and influencing capability. Strategic thinker with experience developing plans, proposals, and analytical papers. Proactive, self‑starting, and committed to delivering high‑quality outcomes. What We Offer At WSI you're not just joining a team — you're becoming part of a community that thrives on purpose, passion and possibility. We’re building a culture that brings out the best in people, empowering every individual to grow, contribute and shine. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, we offer experiences that unlock your full potential. Our values power everything we do: Safety Because nothing matters more. Heart Our passion drives us in everything we do. Striving To be different and better. Achieving together We make it happen with collaboration Proudly working on Dharug land, we reflect the vibrant diversity of Western Sydney and welcome people from all backgrounds and abilities to be part of our journey. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to the application or recruitment process. There has never been a more exciting time to be part of WSI's team, collaborating to create the most dynamic and smart airport in Australia. One of the largest civil engineering projects undertaken in Australia for decades, Western Sydney Airport will open in 2026 as a full-service airport offering international, domestic and freight service. Our aim is to be the gateway of choice to Australia and the world – connecting people, places and opportunity.

Responsibilities

This high-impact role involves driving airline engagement by developing and executing a targeted strategy to attract, negotiate with, and secure major domestic and international airline partners ahead of the airport opening. The manager will lead commercial negotiations, create bespoke pitches, represent the company at global aviation events, and collaborate cross-functionally to support route development and operational readiness.