Airport Operations & Aviation Manager

CornerStone Professional Placement; Mineral Wells (TX); On-site; USD 59,500 - 80,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

CornerStone Professional Placement is seeking an experienced Airport Operations & Aviation Manager for a leadership opportunity with a North Texas municipality. This executive-level role oversees strategic leadership, operational management, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and long-term development of a regional airport.

The ideal candidate will have five or more years of airport operations or aviation management experience, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of FAA regulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible airport operations or aviation management experience.
• At least three (3) years of leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, airport compliance, airport planning, grant administration, and capital improvement programs.
• Experience managing airport budgets, contracts, leases, infrastructure projects, and operational performance.
• Working knowledge of aviation fuel operations, emergency management, airport safety, and security programs.
• Certified Member (C.M.) through the American Association of Airport Executives preferred.
• Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all airport operations, maintenance, planning, safety, security, and administration.
• Direct day-to-day operations of airport facilities, airfield infrastructure, fuel operations, and customer service functions.
• Develop and administer departmental budgets while overseeing grants, capital improvement projects, leases, and airport revenue programs.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, grant assurances, state aviation requirements, environmental standards, and applicable policies.
• Lead airport planning initiatives, including capital improvement programs, infrastructure expansion, and long-range strategic development.
• Oversee airport safety programs, emergency response planning, regulatory inspections, and operational readiness.
• Manage aviation fuel operations, line services, airport facilities, tenant relations, and property management.
• Serve as the primary liaison with federal and state agencies, aviation businesses, consultants, contractors, emergency responders, and community stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations involving airport leases, development opportunities, and business partnerships that support long-term airport growth.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and lead airport staff while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and exceptional customer service.
• Represent the airport before executive leadership, governing bodies, community organizations, and aviation industry partners.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship building

FAA Regulations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management

Master's Degree

Job description

Job Title: Airport Operations & Aviation Manager

Location: North Texas

CornerStone Professional Placement is seeking an experienced Airport Operations & Aviation Manager for an exciting leadership opportunity with a growing North Texas municipality. This executive-level role is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and long-term development of a regional airport. The ideal candidate will bring strong airport operations experience, leadership capabilities, and a passion for driving aviation growth while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all airport operations, maintenance, planning, safety, security, and administration.
• Direct day-to-day operations of airport facilities, airfield infrastructure, fuel operations, and customer service functions.
• Develop and administer departmental budgets while overseeing grants, capital improvement projects, leases, and airport revenue programs.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, grant assurances, state aviation requirements, environmental standards, and applicable policies.
• Lead airport planning initiatives, including capital improvement programs, infrastructure expansion, and long-range strategic development.
• Oversee airport safety programs, emergency response planning, regulatory inspections, and operational readiness.
• Manage aviation fuel operations, line services, airport facilities, tenant relations, and property management.
• Serve as the primary liaison with federal and state agencies, aviation businesses, consultants, contractors, emergency responders, and community stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations involving airport leases, development opportunities, and business partnerships that support long-term airport growth.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and lead airport staff while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and exceptional customer service.
• Represent the airport before executive leadership, governing bodies, community organizations, and aviation industry partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible airport operations or aviation management experience.
• At least three (3) years of leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, airport compliance, airport planning, grant administration, and capital improvement programs.
• Experience managing airport budgets, contracts, leases, infrastructure projects, and operational performance.
• Working knowledge of aviation fuel operations, emergency management, airport safety, and security programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Certified Member (C.M.) through the American Association of Airport Executives preferred.
• Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation highly desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

• Employment Type: Direct Hire
• Schedule: Full-Time
• Location: On-site
• Salary: 70K
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.