Lead - Airport Infrastructure Projects

Adani Group; Mangaluru; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Adani Group seeks a seasoned Head – Operational Projects to plan, coordinate, and deliver infrastructure projects within an active airport environment. You will lead brownfield expansions, terminal modifications, and modernization programs while preserving safety, security, and passenger experience.

The role interfaces with Project Delivery, Airport Operations, Security, Airlines, Regulators, and Contractors to ensure safe, seamless execution in live operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• 15–18 years of experience in infrastructure project delivery.
• Minimum 5 years managing projects in operational live environments.
• Proven coordination of multiple stakeholders during execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of projects within operational airport facilities while minimizing disruption.
• Develop live airport execution methodologies and phased construction strategies.
• Ensure milestones are met within approved timelines and budgets.
• Monitor project performance via KPIs and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate with Airport Operations, Security, IT, Maintenance, and Safety teams.
• Manage work permits, airside access, and regulatory compliance during construction.

Skills

Ops Planning

Stakeholder Mgmt

Safety & Compliance

Project Controls

Construction Mgmt (Ops)

Readiness & Transition

Education

Bachelors in Civil/Mech/Electrical/Arch

Masters in PM/Infrastructure Mgmt

Job description

Purpose/Objective

• The Head – Operational Projects will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering infrastructure projects within an operational airport environment while ensuring zero disruption to airport operations, passenger experience, safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
• The role will lead the execution of brownfield expansion projects, terminal modifications, airside enhancements, facility upgrades, operational improvement initiatives, technology integration projects, and infrastructure modernization programs.
• The position will serve as the primary interface between Project Delivery, Airport Operations, Security, Airside Operations, Airlines, Regulatory Authorities, and Contractors to ensure safe and seamless project execution in a live operating environment.

Key Responsibilities of Role

• Operational Project Planning & Delivery - Lead planning and execution of projects within operational airport facilities including terminals, airside infrastructure, utilities, cargo facilities, landside infrastructure, and passenger processing areas.
• - Develop project execution methodologies suitable for live airport environments.
• - Establish phased construction strategies to minimize impact on airport operations.
• - Ensure project milestones are achieved within approved timelines and budgets.
• - Monitor project performance through defined KPIs and governance frameworks.
• Operational Integration & Stakeholder Management - Serve as the single-point coordination lead between project teams and airport operations.
• - Coordinate with Airport Operations, Airside Operations, Security, Terminal Operations, Commercial, IT, Maintenance, and Safety teams.
• - Facilitate stakeholder approvals for construction activities in operational areas.
• - Ensure effective communication and coordination with airlines, ground handlers, concessionaires, and service providers.
• - Manage interfaces between ongoing operations and project execution activities.
• Safety, Security & Regulatory Compliance - Ensure all project activities comply with airport safety and security protocols.
• - Coordinate work permits, access control requirements, airside permits, and operational clearances.
• - Ensure compliance with DGCA, BCAS, AAI, ICAO, local statutory requirements, and airport operating procedures.
• - Conduct operational risk assessments before commencement of project activities.
• - Monitor implementation of approved safety mitigation measures.
• Project Controls & Governance - Establish project controls for scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality management.
• - Review project progress and implement corrective actions where required.
• - Monitor CAPEX expenditure and cash flow forecasts.
• - Provide periodic management reports and executive dashboards.
• - Ensure compliance with project governance and approval frameworks.
• Construction Management in Operational Environment - Oversee execution of construction activities during operational hours, night closures, shutdowns, and restricted access windows.
• - Coordinate temporary diversions, passenger routing, utility shutdowns, and operational contingency plans.
• - Ensure minimal operational disruption during project implementation.
• - Resolve site constraints and operational conflicts proactively.
• - Monitor contractor performance and adherence to operational requirements.
• Risk Management - Identify operational, construction, safety, and business continuity risks.
• - Develop risk mitigation and contingency strategies.
• - Maintain project risk registers and monitor closure of key risks.
• - Escalate critical operational risks to airport leadership in a timely manner.
• - Support emergency response planning related to project activities.
• Operational Readiness & Transition Management - Lead testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
• - Coordinate stakeholder inspections, approvals, and acceptance processes.
• - Ensure smooth transition of completed facilities into airport operations.
• - Develop handover and asset transfer plans.
• - Monitor post-commissioning performance and defect closure.
• Asset Enhancement & Modernization - Drive terminal upgrades, passenger experience improvements, utility upgrades, and operational efficiency projects.
• - Support implementation of smart airport technologies and digital transformation initiatives.
• - Promote innovation and best practices in airport infrastructure development.
• - Ensure alignment with airport expansion and capacity enhancement programs.

Technical Competencies

• Operational Project Planning & Delivery,Operational Integration & Stakeholder Management,Safety, Security & Regulatory Compliance,Project Controls & Governance,Construction Management in Operational Environment,Operational Readiness & Transition Management

Qualifications and Experience

• Required Qualifications & Experience- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• - Master's Degree in Project Management, Infrastructure Management, MBA, or equivalent preferred.
• - Minimum 15 to 18 years of experience in infrastructure project delivery.
• - Minimum 5 years of experience managing projects in operational airports, metro systems, transportation hubs, healthcare facilities, data centres, or other live operational environments.
• - Proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders during project execution.
• Leadership Capabilities - Operational Excellence.
• - Strategic Thinking.
• - Stakeholder Influence & Collaboration.
• - Decision Making Under Operational Constraints.
• - Risk-Based Project Management.
• - Conflict Resolution.
• - Crisis & Contingency Management.
• - Commercial Awareness.
• - Change Leadership.
• - Cross-Functional Coordination.