This is a hands-on leadership role serving as the senior on-site authority responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations in accordance with FAA Part 139, TSA regulations, and operational standards.

You will lead high-performing teams, manage emergency response and regulatory programs, and ensure the airport operates with a strong focus on safety, customer service, and business continuity.

Key Responsibilities

Airport Operations & ARFF Leadership

· Serve as Avports’ on-site senior leader

· Oversee and direct airside, landslide, and terminal operations and security

· Ensure operational readiness, staffing, and performance across all functions

· Direct ARFF and emergency response activities with full incident command

· Safety, Security & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542 and airport rules and regulations

· Support the compliance of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and Airport Security Plan

· Lead inspections, audits, drills, and regulatory reporting

· Oversee safety programs including FOD, wildlife, and AOA operations

Leadership & Team Development

· Lead, coach, and develop operations and public safety teams

· Manage staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning

· Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service

· Promote and motivate a team member environment

Operations & Infrastructure Oversight

· Ensure effective procedures are in place kept up to date

· Ensure effective training is in place

· Oversee Airport Operations Center and daily inspections

· Inspect and report compliance of airfield systems, lighting, and navigation aids

· Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement

Stakeholder Coordination

· Partner with airport sponsor, FAA, TSA, law enforcement, airlines, and tenants

· Coordinate multi-agency response and mutual aid planning

· Represent Avports with professionalism within the airport community

Required Certifications & Credentials (within time frame communicated):

· FAR Part 139 ARFF compliance

· Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I

· CPR/AED certification

· Valid driver’s license and CDL

· Firearms Owner’s Identification FOID (Illinois)

· Ability to obtain AAAE ACE (Airfield Operations)

· TSA background check eligibility

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site and requires regular work outdoors in varying weather conditions, with exposure to active airfield operations, aircraft, and heavy equipment. The position supports a 24/7 operational environment, including emergencies and irregular operations.

What Makes You a Great Fit

· Calm, decisive leader in emergency and high-risk situations

· Strong situational awareness in a dynamic airfield environment

· Committed to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused operations

· Skilled at leading teams in a 24/7 aviation environment

· Driven to improve operations while maintaining strict regulatory compliance

· Strong team building skills

Why Join Avports

· Be part of a growing, forward-thinking airport operator

· Lead operations at a unique and expanding commercial airport

· Work alongside experienced aviation professionals

· Contribute to the future of aviation operations and safety

About Avports

Founded in 1927 as a division of Pan American World Airways, Avports is an experienced and trusted airport manager and operator. Today, the company operates with over 650 staff (of which approximately 300 are unionized) at 14+ airports across the US and the Caribbean, with that number slated to grow to 800 during the next year with the addition of new airport projects. In addition, Avports is now acting as the leaseholder and operator of public-private partnership (P3) projects at Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut and the Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) in Virginia. Avports has historically managed and operated a portfolio of airport operations and maintenance (O&M) and public-private partnership (P3/PPP) contracts at more than 30 US airports. These airports have diverse operations, encompassing commercial and general aviation airports, passenger terminals, joint-use airports, heliports, NASA facilities, and spaceports. The company is working to integrate electric aviation, hydrogen fuel cells, and zero-emission decarbonization concepts in existing airport environments. In 2018, Goldman Sachs acquired Avports through its infrastructure investment fund, West Street ...Infrastructure Partners III (WSIP III). Since then, Goldman Sachs has been committed to helping the company expand current operations, as well as expanding its offerings, in particular helping Avports go from being a third-party operator to a truly redevelopment-focused business.

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