Project Manager - Aspire Executive Lounges CEMEAI

About Swissport

Swissport is a global leader in the aviation services industry, present at 286 airports around the world. One of our key competitive advantages is our industry-leading service portfolio, which includes ground handling, cargo services, and lounge hospitality.

With more than 34 years of award-winning airport hospitality experience, Aspire Executive Airport Lounges is the world’s number 2 and Europe’s largest brand of airport lounges, serving over 5 million customers globally each year. We operate 100 lounges at 38 airports across 13 countries, welcoming over 11,000 guests daily, and we continue to grow.

Job Summary

Swissport is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to lead and oversee facility and property projects within our Aspire Executive Lounge portfolio across the CEMEAI region. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in property and facilities management, with demonstrated expertise in construction leadership, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement.

This person will be responsible for leading all construction, refurbishment, and lounge development projects under the Aspire brand, working closely with airport authorities and managing supplier quotations and benchmarking to ensure cost-efficient capital expenditure (CAPEX). The role is critical to ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, premium lounge experiences that reflect the Aspire standard across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all Aspire Executive Lounge construction and refurbishment projects across the CEMEAI region.
• Act as the primary liaison with airport authorities and local regulatory bodies to secure necessary approvals and maintain compliance.
• Manage a portfolio of property initiatives including fit-outs, and new lounge developments.
• Request and benchmark supplier quotes, conducting competitive analysis to drive CAPEX savings and negotiate favorable terms.
• Implement strategic facilities and property plans that support operational excellence, brand alignment, and sustainability.
• Oversee budgets and capital spend, ensuring financial discipline and cost-efficiency across all regional projects.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations, environmental standards, and local construction codes (including CDM).
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (procurement, finance, operations) and manage external contractors to ensure successful project execution.
• Serve as the escalation point for construction and property issues, providing timely resolutions and direction.
• Lead the implementation of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business stakeholders, airport contacts, and third-party suppliers.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in facilities, construction, and project management, ideally across multiple geographies.
• Proven track record in leading complex construction projects in hospitality, travel, or aviation environments.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing CAPEX, conducting supplier benchmarking, and driving cost savings.
• Professional project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) is preferred.
• Fluent in both Spanish and English (written and spoken) – essential.
• Communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety standards, environmental regulations, and CDM/construction compliance.
• Experience managing third-party contractors and acting as the interface with airport stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the CEMEAI region to oversee regional projects.

Desirable:

• Direct experience working with airport authorities and within airport environments.
• Experience with premium brands in hospitality, executive lounges, or luxury customer services.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Swissport is an equal opportunity employer. We base our hiring decisions on business needs and the best-qualified candidates available. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of any protected category. Candidates who are offered employment may be subject to a criminal record check and other background checks as permitted or required by company policy or applicable law.