Aviation Section Manager - Construction

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

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Aviation Construction Section Manager to lead the aviation construction project management team within the Construction Global Practice. You will oversee delivery of airport CIP programs and aviation infrastructure, including terminals, runways, taxiways, and support facilities.

This role requires building high-performing teams, coordinating with airport authorities, airlines, and agencies, and aligning safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/architecture/construction; 5 years PM/design experience required.
• Experience in aviation or airport construction preferred.
• Leadership experience is preferable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present complex information.
• Ability to influence, lead, and manage change.
• Strong project management skills and strategic perspective.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to a team of aviation construction PMs.
• Lead growth and performance of the aviation construction section.
• Oversee planning and execution of airport CIP and aviation projects.
• Ensure delivery through planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
• Coordinate with airport stakeholders to minimize impacts on operations.
• Build and maintain client relationships and pursue opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and client teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/architecture/construction

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

A Brief Overview

The Aviation Construction Section Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and growth of the aviation construction project management team within the Construction Global Practice. This leader oversees the delivery of complex airport capital improvement programs and aviation infrastructure projects, including terminals, runways, taxiways, aprons, support facilities, utility infrastructure, and landside developments.

The Aviation Construction Section Manager provides managerial direction to a team of construction project managers responsible for planning, executing, and delivering aviation projects for airport authorities, airlines, federal agencies, and other aviation clients. The role is responsible for developing high-performing teams, supporting business strategy, driving profitable growth, and ensuring successful project delivery while maintaining Burns & McDonnell's commitment to safety, quality, client service, and operational excellence.

This leader must understand the unique challenges of delivering projects within active airport environments, balancing construction activities with ongoing airport operations, regulatory requirements, stakeholder coordination, and public-facing impacts.

What You Will Do

• 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.

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 experience in 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).

Compensation

$115,000.00-350,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Construction Services

Primary Location US-IL-Chicago

Other Locations US-MO-Kansas City, US-CO-Denver, US-GA-Atlanta, US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Req ID: 264617

Job Hire Type: Experienced #LI-AN #CDB N/A