Head of Commercial & Business Development – Aviation (Mauritania)

About the role

Our client, an aviation holding company, is seeking a senior leader to head commercial and business development activities across Africa, based in Mauritania. The role focuses on driving revenue growth for both aeronautical and non‑aeronautical streams while shaping the overall commercial strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead the regional commercial strategy, identifying new opportunities in aeronautical and non‑aeronautical revenue streams.
• Own budgeting and forecasting processes, maximizing revenue through tailored pricing strategies and optimized concession mixes.
• Deliver annual revenue growth targets and manage ROI for new commercial projects while reducing vacant or underutilized space.
• Build strategic relationships with airport authorities, government entities, and concession partners (retail, F&B, services).
• Enhance the passenger journey through curated service offerings and digital integration.
• Ensure robust contract management and compliance with regulatory requirements to minimize revenue leakage.
• Mentor and develop direct reports, fostering a high‑performance culture within the commercial division.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics or a related field.
• 12‑15+ years of experience in airport commercial management, retail, real estate or concessions.
• Proven experience in multi‑site or regional commercial management, specifically within African markets.
• Fluency in English and French; proficiency in Arabic is a significant advantage.

Required skills

• Contract negotiation
• Revenue optimization
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Developing complex business cases and RFPs