Manager, Airfield Operations

ADK Consulting & Executive Search; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Niagara International Airport seeks a Manager, Airfield Operations to lead and oversee essential airfield activities, facilities, and safety programs. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Aviation, the role emphasizes compliance with FAA Part 139 and coordination across multiple departments to ensure efficient operations at BUF.

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of five years of Part 139 airport experience, a bachelor's degree in business, aviation, or related field, and a proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, aviation, or related field required.
• Minimum of five years’ experience at a Part 139 airport in airfield operations.
• Strong leadership, safety, and regulatory compliance background.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate airfield operations and support departments, ensuring compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 139.
• Maintain the Airport Certification Manual and issue NOTAMs and pilot advisories as needed.
• Oversee evaluations, disciplinary actions, promotions, and hiring decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation, or related field

Job description

Manager, Airfield Operations

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority invites applications for

Executive Search Services Provided By ADK Consulting & Executive Search

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The Airport

Join the Future of Aviation at Buffalo NiagaraInternational Airport

At the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF),we are more than a transportation hub—we are agateway to opportunity, a cornerstone of WesternNew York, and a proud reflection of the resilient,innovative spirit that defines our region. As wecontinue to grow and modernize, we are seekinga talented, driven Manager, Airfield Operations tohelp lead us into our next chapter of excellence.

The Airport

About BUFOperated by the Niagara Frontier TransportationAuthority (NFTA), BUF serves over 5 million passengersannually and is the third-busiest airport in New York.Strategically located just 10 miles from downtown Buffaloand less than 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, BUF offersunparalleled convenience for travelers and businessesalike. Our airport is known for its efficiency, ease ofnavigation, friendly service, and consistently highcustomer satisfaction ratings. As a critical gateway, thisairport provides the first and last impression of WesternNew York for tourists and business travelers.

experience while providing comprehensive amenities,retail offerings, and dining options. Behind the scenes,our commitment to operational excellence ensures thesafety, security, and efficiency that passengers expect.The airport operates two intersecting runways, supportsa variety of domestic and seasonal international routes,and regularly accommodates general aviation, charter,cargo, and military operations.

A Legacy of Excellence and GrowthRecent years have seen major investments in BUF’sinfrastructure, including runway rehabilitations, aredesigned terminal entrance, enhanced securityscreening facilities, and sustainability initiatives focusedon energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.These improvements position BUF as a critical playerin the regional economy, contributing to economicdevelopment, tourism, and trade.

Our long-term vision is ambitious: BUF is activelyplanning for future growth through terminal upgrades,airfield modernization projects, and expanded serviceofferings to meet the evolving needs of travelers and

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Why Join BUF?

• Impact and Purpose: At BUF, your work will directly affect the safety, efficiency, and reputationof a vital regional airport.
• Career Growth: The NFTA offers professionaldevelopment opportunities, competitive salaries,and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Community and Culture: BUF fosters a teamoriented, inclusive workplace culture. Ouremployees take pride not just in what we do, but inwho we serve—the communities of Western NewYork and beyond.
• Location: Buffalo offers an exceptional qualityof life with affordable living, vibrant cultural andarts scenes, world-class sports, abundant outdoorrecreation, and proximity to one of the world’snatural wonders, Niagara Falls.

Ready to Make a Difference?As a Manager, Airfield Operations at Buffalo NiagaraInternational Airport, you will be at the forefront of airportoperations, ensuring safe and efficient air travel whilecontributing to the growth and success of a dynamic,community-centered airport. If you are an experiencedaviation professional with a passion for operationalexcellence and leadership, we invite you to join us andhelp shape the future of BUF.

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The Community

Buffalo, New York, nestled on the eastern shores of LakeErie and just a short drive from the iconic Niagara Falls,is a city rich in history, culture, and community spirit.Once a bustling industrial hub and a major port in theearly 20th century, Buffalo has undergone a remarkabletransformation in recent years. Today, it offers a blendof urban energy, small-town charm, and affordable livingthat makes it an increasingly attractive place to callhome.

Buffalo boasts a strong sense of community andpride. Residents are known for their friendliness andhospitality, often going out of their way to help neighborsor welcome newcomers. This close-knit community vibeis evident in the city’s many neighborhood festivals,farmers’ markets, and local events. From the annualDyngus Day parade to the Taste of Buffalo food festival,there is no shortage of celebrations that bring peopletogether.

One of the most compelling reasons people choose tolive in Buffalo is its affordability. Whether you’re lookingfor a historic Victorian in the Elmwood Village, a loftdowntown, or a cozy home in a tree-lined suburb likeNorth Buffalo, the variety and affordability of housingoptions are hard to beat.

Buffalo is home to a thriving arts scene, including therenowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery (Buffalo AKG ArtMuseum), which features one of the most impressivecollections of modern and contemporary art in thecountry. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, led byGrammy-winning conductor JoAnn Falletta, and a varietyof local theaters and music venues add to the city’s richcultural offerings. Architecture lovers also flock to Buffaloto see works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, andH.H. Richardson, many of which are preserved and opento the public.

Western New Yorkers are passionate about where theycome from. That spirit and sense of place is evident inthe loyal, dedicated fanbase of Buffalo’s sports teams –the NFL’s Bills, NHL’s Sabres, NLL’s Bandits, the QueenCity Roller Girls and AAA baseball Bisons.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to love in Buffalo.The city is surrounded by natural beauty, includingparks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted—the samelandscape architect behind New York City’s Central Park.Lake Erie offers beaches, boating, and fishing in thewarmer months, while nearby ski resorts make for easywinter getaways. The proximity to Niagara Falls and theFinger Lakes adds even more opportunities for outdoorrecreation year-round.

the city is famous for inventing the “Buffalo ChickenWing,” its culinary scene has expanded far beyond barfood. From high-end farm-to-table dining to an explosionof ethnic eateries representing the city’s diverseimmigrant history—Polish, Italian, Ethiopian, Burmese,and more—Buffalo offers something for every palate.The resurgence of local breweries and food halls hasalso turned the city into a hotspot for foodies and craft

Education and innovation are also key aspects of lifein Buffalo, home to a dozen colleges and universities.The University at Buffalo, part of the State Universityof New York (SUNY) system, provides a major centerfor research and higher education. The Buffalo NiagaraMedical Campus is a growing hub for biomedicalresearch and healthcare innovation, offering promisingcareers and driving economic development in the region.Buffalo offers an ideal blend of affordability, culture,community, and opportunity. Its welcoming atmosphereand rich character make it not just a place to live, but aplace to truly belong.

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Position Overview

The Manager, Airfield Operations at the Buffalo NiagaraInternational Airport (BUF) is responsible for leading andoverseeing key operational and maintenance functionsthat ensure safe, compliant, and efficient airfield activity.Reporting to the Deputy Director, Aviation, this rolemanages critical infrastructure and personnel, enforcesFAA regulations, and ensures airfield operations alignwith the Airport Certification Manual and Part 139requirements.

About the Role

This position plays a central role in maintainingairport safety, operational readiness, and regulatorycompliance. The Manager supervises multipledepartments including airfield operations, electricalsystems, equipment maintenance, and landscapeservices. Working closely with leadership and airportstakeholders, this individual ensures that policies, safetyprocedures, and operational goals are consistently metwhile maintaining high service standards for passengers,cargo, and general aviation users.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate airfield operations andsupport departments, ensuring compliance withFAA 14 CFR Part 139.
• Maintain the Airport Certification Manual and issue NOTAMs and pilot advisories as needed.

evaluations, and oversee disciplinary actions,promotions, and hiring decisions.

• Prepare and manage operating and capital
• Establish priorities, track trends, and reportperformance metrics monthly.
• Ensure readiness and effectiveness of airfieldsnow removal operations.

Leadership Qualities and Style

The successful candidate is a decisive and organizedleader with a hands-on management style. They bring acommitment to safety, operational excellence, and staffdevelopment. Clear communication, strategic planning,and collaborative problem-solving are key qualities. Theability to build strong relationships with tenants, vendors,and internal teams is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration,aviation, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience at a Part 139airport in airfield operations, general aviation, and
• An equivalent combination of education, training,and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience with airport facilities,snow removal, regulatory compliance, andmaintenance procedures.
• Strong knowledge of FAA and DOT regulations,property management, and public safetystandards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, andorganizational skills.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary range for this position is $82,854 -$124,279. BUF offers competitive benefits.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an equalopportunity employer. We support diversity and arecommitted to creating an inclusive environment foremployees.

Deadline for applications: June 22, 2025