Location: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), Albuquerque, NM
Position Type: RMU Program Manager/Consultant Agreement
Application Deadline: Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: April 16, 2024: 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)

Overview:

The City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department is seeking a dynamic and experienced firm or consultant to manage the Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) program at the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ or the Sunport). This unique opportunity calls for a qualified firm/consultant capable of enhancing the passenger experience through innovative retail strategies while ensuring operational excellence and program success.

Key Responsibilities:

Ascend ABQ Participant Tenant Recruitment:

• Lead marketing and community engagement initiatives to attract a broad spectrum of candidates to the Ascend ABQ program, which offers evolving and established small businesses with a short-term, low-risk leasing option for operating an RMU at the Sunport.
• Oversee the application process from outreach to final selection, ensuring clarity, fairness, and efficiency for candidates starting from the 2024 program year.

Business Development Support:

• Provide comprehensive business development support to RMU tenants, including mandatory preliminary business classes, ongoing training, mentoring, and advisory services.
• Assist in developing merchandising strategies, monitor RMU performance regularly, and produce in-depth operational reports for continuous improvement.

Program Retail Execution Standards:

• Uphold and enhance the Ascend ABQ program’s retail execution standards, covering service hours, staffing, merchandising practices, and more.
• For the Co-op retail unit: manage inventory effectively, oversee the installation and maintenance of POS systems, ensure accurate sales reporting, and maintain rigorous financial management practices, including the management of non-commingled bank accounts.

RMU Monitoring and Maintenance:

• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of RMUs to prevent issues, coordinate repairs as needed, and manage scheduled maintenance to maintain peak condition of all units.

Freight Distribution/Support Center Operations:

• Handle freight logistics with a focus on minimizing disruption during peak passenger traffic times. This includes managing receiving, shipping, and delivery operations, as well as ensuring effective trash disposal and RMU maintenance services.

Merchandising Expertise:

• Offer professional on-site merchandising support to tenants, helping with signage, display strategies, and sourcing of props to elevate the retail presentation and shopping experience.

RMU Construction and Buildout:

• Oversee the procurement, construction, and installation of RMU units, ensuring they meet design parameters and are ready for tenant move-in, with a clear and transparent management of related costs.

Management Experience:

• Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing team committed to excellence, incorporating principles of learning and development.
• Navigate regulatory compliance within the airport environment, including security, safety, and environmental standards.
• Exhibit operational excellence in managing the program, particularly under challenging conditions, to maintain a premier passenger experience.
• Provide detailed management reports that illustrate key performance indicators using sophisticated reporting tools.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the local community through planned corporate social responsibility initiatives that reflect the Sunport’s values.

• Commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting a diverse retail environment.

How to Apply:

Interested offerors are invited to respond. Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: April 16, 2024: 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Time).  For detailed RFP documents, submission guidelines, and to learn more about the RMU Program, please visit https://cabq.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/123204. Please allow a minimum of two (2) business days to submit your proposal. If you do not have a username and password, please register as this is the only method to submit electronically on the Bonfire portal. Please make sure to register on the system in order to receive notices and submit a response to a solicitation. For assistance, please contact [email protected]. Failure to submit Offeror’s Proposal electronically through the City’s eProcurement system shall result in the Proposal being deemed nonresponsive.