Business Development & Partnerships Manager

ABOUT AERO

Aero is on a mission to elevate air travel—inspired by the golden age of aviation, designed for modern life. Direct, premium flights via private terminals offer guests the comfort of low-contact travel and the effortlessness of flying private. We pride ourselves on being dedicated hosts and expect the same commitment from our team members. That means we prioritize safety, personalize every experience, always assume the best intentions, and act decisively.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, the Business Development Manager will be responsible for building, maintaining, and growing relationships in key sectors across the luxury travel ecosystem. Their established relationships in the entertainment, music, tech, finance, real estate, members clubs and talent management industries coupled with a strong understanding of Aero’s clientele and experience differential will be a key to success. This role will focus on expanding and educating Aero’s existing partner base with an emphasis on new client onboarding celebrating Aero’s unique brand/guest experience touchpoints driving incremental sales.

PLEASE NOTE: While this position is remote, candidates who are located in the Greater Los Angeles area are strongly preferred to better serve our market.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Partnership Development: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in luxury travel & events/brand integrations with a proven record solidifying partnerships within the luxury travel sector implementing collaborative partner engagement strategies to drive revenue growth and meet company objectives.
• Market Expansion: Explore and secure partnerships that align with Aero’s brand and growth strategy in new and existing markets.
• Market Reach: Deep understanding of Los Angeles and Aero destinations (markets) across all verticals with a track record of driving revenue growth ideally with a thorough understanding of the luxury travel and/or private aviation industry sectors.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage: Drive strategic partnership with luxury hotels, travel agencies, high-end lifestyle brands and marquee event brand integrations.
• Negotiate: A strong negotiatorworking within the commercial boundaries as set by the leadership team
• Charter Sales: Promote Aero’s suite of charter products to current customers / developing partnerships working in tandem with Aero’s charter team to develop a strong cross functional sales pipeline. Generate referrals from current partners and prospect base. 
• Revenue Generation: Develop partnership strategies that drive revenue through exclusive offers, collaborations, and packages with partners.
• Client Experience Enhancement: Continue to nurture and develop Aero’s existing partnerships. Engage with partners to develop new campaigns and communications that keep Aero top of mind and educate the market on Aero’s by-the-seat, charter, and other product solutions.
• Account Management: Identify top existing partnerships/reproach with a consultative mindset that lead to long-lasting and effective partnerships.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor the success of partnerships and provide regular reports on performance, including ROI and client satisfaction.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of the competitive landscape: Monitor industry trends, and use this information to inform business decisions.
• Partner effectively: Engage cross-functionally with Aero teammates in Marketing, Business Development, Network Planning, and Operations to achieve results.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of business development or partnership engagement/management, with a focus on luxury travel and/or private jet charter sales preferably in a high-growth setting.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the luxury travel landscape, including key players in the luxury brand and private aviation marketplace.
• Relationship Builder: Proven ability to build and maintain high-level partnerships with luxury hotels, and premium lifestyle brands/HNW ecosystem.
• Sales Acumen: Strong negotiation and deal-making skills, with a focus on driving revenue and achieving strategic growth.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently to internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and partnerships simultaneously while presenting new and innovative ideas.
• Customer-Focused: A deep commitment to enhancing the Aero guest experience and aligning partnerships with guest expectations.
• Travel: Ability to travel 40% of the time to meet with partners, attend events, and expand Aero’s presence in the luxury travel sector.
• Culture: Adept at working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. MBA preferred.

BENEFITS & PAY

• Compensation: $105,000 to $127,000, preferably based in Los Angeles, CA. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
• Time Off: Unlimited vacation, paid sick leave, and bereavement leave.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short and long-term disability, and 401k.
• Additional Benefits: Stock options - The opportunity to own a piece of Aero!