Aviation Construction Leader for Airport Programs

Burns & McDonnell; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell in the United States seeks an Aviation Construction Section Manager to lead a team delivering complex airport projects, including terminals, runways, taxiways, and support facilities. You will balance construction activity with ongoing airport operations while driving growth, client satisfaction, and project performance.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication across stakeholders such as airport authorities, airlines, and FAA

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or related degree from an accredited program.
• Previous aviation or airport construction experience preferred.
• Previous leadership and/or management experience is preferable.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
• Position requires the ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead, and manage change.
• Must possess strong project management skills and a strategic perspective.
• Must be expert in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to a team of aviation construction project managers responsible for delivering airport and aviation infrastructure projects.
• Lead the growth and operational performance of the aviation construction section, ensuring appropriate staffing, resource allocation, utilization, and workforce development to support current and future project demands.
• Oversee the planning and execution of airport capital improvement programs (CIP) and aviation construction projects, including terminal expansions, airfield improvements, utility upgrades, cargo facilities, maintenance facilities, and other aviation-related infrastructure.
• Ensure successful project delivery through all phases of planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout while maintaining safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for projects executed within active airport environments, ensuring construction activities are coordinated to minimize impacts to airport operations, airline stakeholders, passengers, and the traveling public.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to airport authorities, airlines, federal agencies, and aviation clients while building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Lead collaboration between engineering, construction, and client teams to support integrated project delivery and successful execution of aviation programs.
• Coordinate with airport owners, airline partners, regulatory agencies, FAA representatives, and community stakeholders to address project requirements, risks, operational impacts, and public communications.
• Support project delivery strategies, construction phasing plans, risk management initiatives, and operational coordination plans necessary for construction within secure and operational airport environments.
• Implement and support company, global practice, and regional initiatives while successfully leading organizational change and continuous improvement efforts within the section.
• Achieve business performance objectives, including revenue growth, profitability, utilization, backlog development, and client satisfaction.
• Manage section budgets, staffing forecasts, succession planning, recruiting efforts, and professional development programs.
• Review project and portfolio performance, including schedules, budgets, forecasts, risk registers, cash flow projections, and financial reporting.
• Identify and communicate project risks, operational impacts, schedule challenges, and mitigation strategies to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with business development leaders, aviation practice leadership, and project teams to identify opportunities, develop client relationships, pursue strategic projects, and support proposal development activities.
• Conduct project safety, quality, operational readiness, and financial reviews to ensure successful delivery and adherence to Burns & McDonnell and client standards.
• Support the continued growth of Burns & McDonnell's Aviation & Federal construction practice through market engagement, industry involvement, client relationship development, and strategic talent acquisition.

Education

Bachelor Degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or related degree from an accredited program

Job description

Burns & McDonnell in the United States seeks an Aviation Construction Section Manager to lead a team delivering complex airport projects, including terminals, runways, taxiways, and support facilities. You will balance construction activity with ongoing airport operations while driving growth, client satisfaction, and project performance.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication across stakeholders such as airport authorities, airlines, and FAA