Manager, Commercial Special Projects

POSITION SUMMARY  The Commercial Division oversees all revenue-generating activity for the Department of Aviation, including airport concessions (food & beverage, retail, and advertising), parking, ground transportation, air service development, and property management/real estate. In short, the team ensures the airport grows sustainably by expanding revenue, creating a sense of place, and building partnerships with airlines, tenants, local businesses, and internal departments.  The Manager, Commercial Special Projects, will serve as a flexible, cross-functional resource who helps move important initiatives forward across this portfolio. Projects may support a specific business line—such as Parking or Concessions—or may cut across multiple teams, improving communication, coordination, and visibility for high-impact commercial work.  This role is ideal for a versatile professional who can take loosely defined ideas, structure them into actionable workstreams, and bring together diverse stakeholders to achieve results. No aviation experience is required. The selected candidate will learn the industry over time while building a portfolio of visible contributions to PHL’s commercial strategy and developing subject-matter expertise across different lines of business.  This position is well suited for a self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys variety in their work, and is motivated by bringing clarity, organization, and momentum to complex, collaborative projects.  PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  Lead or support planning, coordination, and delivery of strategic commercial initiatives across the Department of Aviation (DOA)  Advance priority commercial initiatives by organizing tasks, coordinating stakeholders across the airport, and ensuring projects stay on track.  Develop clear, compelling materials—memos, presentations, dashboards, and briefings—that highlight project status, insights, and the Commercial Division’s overall impact.  Track, document, and share ongoing commercial work, including milestones, KPIs, risks, and lessons learned.  Identify and solve process gaps and recommend improvements that make the Commercial team more efficient and predictable.  Take on high-priority ad-hoc assignments, providing flexible support where the Commercial leadership team needs it most.  Monitor progress of strategic plan initiatives  Track and manage key milestones, stakeholder engagement, and performance outcomes for special projects and pilot program  Coordinate with cross-departmental working groups including Finance, Customer Experience and Capital Development Group (CDG)  Support commercial strategy development, including market research, benchmarking, business planning, and identifying new opportunities.  Support the development of grant applications or funding proposals for commercial innovation  Serve as a flexible resource to help directors and vice presidents move important projects forward during periods of high demand  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  Highly organized with ability to prioritize multiple projects at once  Exceptional communicator who can synthesize complex information for executives.  Thrives in ambiguous environments and learns new domains quickly.  Strong stakeholder-management skills—able to lead through influence rather than authority.  Strong analytical and writing skills—able to communicate clearly and persuasively to executives.  A systems thinker who enjoys connecting dots and building structure in evolving environments  Qualifications EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, urban planning, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)  4+ years of experience in project management, consulting, strategy, or public sector innovation