General Manager - Planning and Design

ABOUT BIALBangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) operates Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR)—India’s first Greenfield airport under a Public-Private Partnership. We are known for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Our people-first culture is built on trust, respect, and collaboration, earning us the Great Place to Work® certification.BLR is one of Asia’s busiest airports, handling 42 million passengers in FY 2024–25, and is a key logistics hub. Terminal 2 is India’s only airport terminal with a 5-Star Skytrax rating, reflecting our world-class, passenger-centric service. We focus on outcomes, not just outputs, and strive for excellence every day.If you're driven by bold ideas and want to make a real impact, BIAL is the place to beJOB PURPOSE To lead the commercial space planning and design strategy at BLR Airport ensuring world class passenger experience, revenue optimization and alignment with airport’s brand identity. Integrating design excellence with commercial functionality across Retail, F&B, Hospitality and other passenger touchpoints.Design Leadership & StrategyDefine and Drive overall design vision for commercial zones aligned with airport’s master planning and brand positioningLead conceptualization and spatial planning of commercial developments, including terminal retail, F&B areas, lounges, landside and airside developments, hotels, and officesEstablish and maintain design standards, materials, finishes, and aesthetics for all commercial projects.Project Design ManagementCollaborate with brand architects, consultants, and developers to translate commercial strategies into design deliverablesReview and approve design proposals, layouts, and technical drawings ensuring functionality, passenger flow, visibility, and commercial efficiencyManage end-to-end design process from concept to execution—ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards (DGCA, BCAS, fire, accessibility, etc.)Coordinate with engineering, operations, and construction teams for design feasibility and implementation.Commercial Space PlanningOptimize space utilization for maximum commercial yield while maintaining passenger comfort and circulation.Develop design briefs for retail, F&B, advertising, and experiential zones.Establish tenant fit-out design guidelines and review tenant submissions for brand compliance.Sustainability & InnovationIntegrate sustainability, energy efficiency, and green building principles into commercial design.Benchmark global best practices from leading airports and urban commercial centers.Drive digital and experiential innovations in passenger spaces (e.g., immersive design, interactive installations).Stakeholder CoordinationInterface with internal stakeholders (Commercial, Planning, Operations, Engineering, Finance) and external partners (consultants, architects, Brands, Concessionaires)Present design concepts and updates to senior management and airport board committees.Work closely with commercial strategy and Business Development teams to align design with business goals.Provide design brief and guidelines to the brands and retailers keeping in view the overall airport brand environment, zoning, and design themes.Review concept designs, material boards and technical drawings submitted by concessionaires in co-ordination with internal and external stakeholders.Prepare Project Brief with respect to Concept Scheme, Detail design, Schematic Design, GFC drawings, As-built drawings along with all necessary reports and documents listed as deliverables for the project under consideration. Prepare presentations, renders, and reports etc. of the assigned projects for management review.Review and do Interdisciplinary Coordination with internal stakeholders, Concessionaires, PMCs, Consultants, Architects, and other external stakeholders for the project execution.Verify Base build drawings with respect to design intent in-order to avoid variations with respect to measurement, site extent, service coordination etc.All relevant Code Compliances of the above-mentioned drawings with sign-off from concerned design disciplines shall be maintained in an established format.Resolve design conflicts, technical and construction-related issuesRegular monitoring of project progress, Site Visits and Quality inspection and audit.Organize and carry out General, Principal, Special Site and Material Inspections and prepare inspection reports to ensure and verify that the execution is in line with the design documents. All changes/variations/value additions to design shall be captured in these reports regularly.Lead a Team of Designers, Architects, Engineers and Project Managers for Design Development and Project ManagementEducation qualification and PrerequisitesB. Arch / M. Arch. (Bachelor/Master of Architecture) from a reputed universityB.Sc./M.Sc. (Interior Design)Master’s degree/ Postgraduate (Interior Design)Project Management CertificationLEED Certification will be an added advantage.Relevant experience (20 - 24 years) in Architecture, Planning and Design, Project Management in Retail / F&B /Airports/Premium Hospitality/Corporate/Commercial Buildings/Mixed Use development etc.Proven track record of leading design for large-scale commercial or infrastructure projects. Strong understanding of passenger behavior, retail planning, and space design economics.Creative and strategic design thinking.Strong project management and multi-stakeholder coordination skills.Technical knowledge of architecture, MEP interfaces, and fit-out standards.Excellent presentation and communication skills.Familiarity with design software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, SketchUp, Adobe Suite).Awareness of international airport design trends and benchmarks.Understanding of Tender process and detailed knowledge of latest NBC, BIAPPA and other standards to be followed.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER POLICYAt BIAL, we are committed to creating sustainable economic opportunities for all. With Agility, Care, Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity and Accountability being our core values, we are an equal opportunity employer for all qualified talent regardless of age, color, disability, origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender expression or identity, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or any other legally protected class. We shall provide all reasonable accommodations to ensure that you are able to perform your work with ease. Above all, we truly believe in creating and nurturing a work environment where all feel safe and can be themselves.

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