Program Manager (Airside Operations)

City of Phoenix; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 102,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension information

401(a) and 457 plans with employer"s"

Job summary

City of Phoenix seeks an Airside Operations Program Manager to lead FAA Part 139 compliance programs, supervise airfield regulatory activities, and coordinate cross-divisional efforts for safety and efficiency.

The role requires strong technical writing, analytics, and strategic leadership within the Aviation Department, ensuring 24/7 airfield readiness and regulatory alignment with city goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a related field.
• Experience managing FAA Part 139 compliance programs is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide program-level direction for FAA Part 139 compliance, ensuring policies and inspections meet regulatory requirements.
• Lead development of airfield programs aligned with AVN's goals; track inspections and safety initiatives.
• Coordinate updates, compliance documentation, and strategic recommendations for leadership.

Skills

Aviation industry knowledge

FAA Part 139 compliance

Technical writing

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Airside operations

Safety Management System (SMS)

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field

Tools

GIS systems

Inspection software

Digital compliance tracking tools

Job description

About This Position

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) served approximately 52 million passengers in 2025, making it one of the busiest airports in the nation and a major commercial aviation hub for the country's fifth largest city. PHX is the largest of three airports in the Phoenix Airport System along with Deer Valley and Goodyear operated by the City of Phoenix Aviation Department (AVN). Collectively, these airports generate an estimated $38 billion annual economic impact.

The Airside Operations Section ensures PHX's airfield operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including FAR Part 139. Airside Operations oversees daily aircraft movement areas, inspections, safety programs, operational coordination, NOTAM issuance, airfield construction impacts, and regulatory documentation critical to maintaining PHX's Part 139 certification and 24/7 operational readiness. The Aviation Department is seeking an Airside Operations Program Manager to provide program level leadership across airfield regulatory programs, oversee operational coordination, and manage compliance initiatives that directly support airfield safety and efficiency. This role serves as a key leader in the Airside Operations Section, responsible for aligning airfield programs with departmental goals, supervising multiple operational units, and advancing strategic initiatives that sustain PHX's reputation as a world class airport. Airside Operations employs field staff, supervisors, and program leaders who support PHX's constant airfield activity. The Airside Operations Program Manager will be instrumental in regulatory compliance, operational excellence, employee development, and cross divisional coordination that strengthens PHX's airfield performance.

Key Duties Include

Program & Strategic Leadership

• Provide program-level direction for FAA Part 139 compliance, ensuring policies, inspections, documentation, and safety evaluations meet regulatory requirements.
• Lead development of airfield programs aligned with AVN's strategic goals, including inspection tracking, safety initiatives, and operational performance measures.
• Coordinate program updates, compliance documentation, and strategic recommendations for Section and Division leadership.

Airside Operations & Daily Coordination

• Direct and support daily airfield operations to maintain safe and efficient aircraft movement consistent with FAA and airport standards.
• Provide expert guidance on complex operational challenges impacting safety, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee special events, VIP aircraft movements, and irregular operations requiring cross-agency coordination.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Programs

• Manage daily implementation of FAA Part 139 requirements, including inspections, safety risk management, and corrective actions.
• Participate in FAA Safety Risk Management (SRM) panels to support hazard identification and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee Construction Safety and Phasing Plans (CSPPs) for all airfield construction projects.
• Support daily management of the Safety Management System (SMS).

Contractor, Construction, and Project Coordination

• Coordinate operational impacts of airfield construction with Engineering, Facilities, contractors, and FAA representatives.
• Review and provide guidance on construction phasing, closures, and NOTAM issuance.
• Support integration of airfield operational needs into project planning.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Supervise Airside Operations Supervisor II positions and provide indirect oversight for Airside Operations Assistants.
• Lead recruitment, performance management, and workforce development initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-divisional collaboration supporting operational readiness.

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and present airfield program updates, compliance reports, and operational analyses.
• Maintain communication with airlines, tenants, FAA representatives, and contractors.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Knowledge of the aviation industry.
• Familiar with technical writing.
• Proficient communicator and capable of managing multiple projects successfully.
• Proficient decision-making skills and effective at problem-solving and compliance resolution.
• Ability to communication orally and in the English language with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one, and in group settings.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, Safety Management System (SMS) principles, airport construction impacts, and NOTAM processes.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and policy development skills with the ability to present clear and concise information to leadership and stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated three (3) years of experience managing FAA Part 139 compliance programs, airfield inspections, and safety risk mitigation activities.

SALARY

Pay Range: $102,232.00 to $137,009.60 annually.

Hiring Range: $102,232.00 to $124,259.20 annually.

Pay Range Explanation

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
• Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
• Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
• When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Benefits

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employer paid long-term disability.
• Free Bus/light rail pass.
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.

For more details, visit: Unit 007 Benefits

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
• Five years of professional experience in program and project management, preferably within a government or public sector environment.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
• The City job description can be found here.
• Work conditions:
  • This position may require occasional evening/weekend/holiday work to support 24/7 operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience.
• Experience managing supervisory and professional staff.
• Experience providing excellent customer service.
• Experience with program and policy development.
• Experience working in an airport environment with on-call responsibilities as needed for airfield operations.
• Experience leading complex operational coordination with airlines, tenants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Experience supervising operational teams, developing training programs, and implementing airfield policies and procedures.
• Experience with airfield technology platforms such as GIS systems, inspection software, or digital compliance tracking tools.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes September 23, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date. This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

REFERENCE

Program Manager, JC:08600, ID# 62721, 09/10/2026, USM, GO, Benefits:007

Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.

City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.