Aviation Construction Program Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) plan

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Aviation Construction Section Manager to lead a team delivering complex airport capital improvement programs and aviation infrastructure. You will manage staffing, budgets, and client relationships while coordinating with airport authorities and regulatory agencies.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering/architecture/construction, 5+ years in design or project management, and strong communication and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or related degree from an accredited program and 5 years related professional experience in design and/or project management required or applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• 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.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor degree in engineering/architecture/construction

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Aviation Construction Section Manager to lead a team delivering complex airport capital improvement programs and aviation infrastructure. You will manage staffing, budgets, and client relationships while coordinating with airport authorities and regulatory agencies.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering/architecture/construction, 5+ years in design or project management, and strong communication and leadership skills.