ALB - Airport Manager

Avports BIM Ltd.•Town of Colonie, NY

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Mission critical role serving as the on‑site representative responsible for fulfilling all contractual obligations between Avports and the Albany County Airport Authority while overseeing safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations. Provide leadership of union and non‑union personnel, while managing infrastructure, facilities, mechanical systems, security, emergency preparedness, and day‑to‑day airport functions. Support financial planning and operational controls, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster strong relationships with all stakeholders. Act as a key liaison to the CEO and in all cases, exhibits a commitment to public service and operational excellence. High school diploma, along with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible airport or public‑sector facilities management experience, (i.e., General Manager, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, Station Manager or Assistant Manager of a FAA Part 139 Certified Airport, Airport System, Airport Terminal, or Airline Station, including a commercial passenger terminal with more than 0.5m enplanements per year.) including successful labor relations and union negotiation. Ideal candidate brings strong technical and leadership expertise to lead personnel through operational emergencies, drive high employee engagement, and inspire accountability and service excellence. In‑depth knowledge of FAR Part 139 compliance, ARFF operations, and facilities, property, and financial management. Position is exempt, and regular, full-time reporting to the VP, Airport Operations & Technology. Primary work is on-site and based in Albany International Airport (ALB). Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, meet corporate and airport access and security requirements, and be able to travel and work domestically and internationally including occasional overnight stays.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma/equivalent required.
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible airport or public‑sector facilities management experience working in a General Manager, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, Station Manager or Assistant Manager of a FAA Part 139 Certified Airport, Airport System, Airport Terminal, or Airline Station, including a commercial passenger terminal with more than 0.5m enplanements per year.
Successful experience working and negotiating with airport union representatives and leading a union workforce.
Demonstrated ability to lead airport personnel through operational emergencies, exercising sound judgment, decisiveness, and calm leadership during high‑risk, time‑sensitive situations.
Demonstrated ability to handle all aspects of airport and terminal management i.e., operations, maintenance, environment, finance, public relations, and human resources management, etc.
Proven ability to interface with government officials, including DHS, USDA, CBP, TSA, DOT, FAA, DEC, DEP, OSHA, EPA, CDC, etc.
Demonstrated ability to manage the ground handling and operational relationship between the airport, airlines, stakeholders, and tenants.
Demonstrated ability to understand and effectively respond to evolving airport environmental issues.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate CBA/union contracts and to effectively lead and support a union workforce.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
Ability to read and evaluate budgets, financial statements, and P&L reports.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret industry periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardizations exist.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of executives, employees, clients, customers, and the public.
Proven capability to drive high levels of employee engagement, motivate teams during routine and emergency operations, and inspire others to act with accountability, professionalism, and service excellence.
In‑depth knowledge of airport management principles, including FAR Part 139 compliance, ARFF operations, property and facilities management, and applicable safety and regulatory standards.
Demonstrated financial, administrative, and management expertise, with the ability to develop high‑performing management staff, build effective business continuity and succession plans, and sustain long‑term organizational continuity.
Strong leadership skills support the ability to build, lead, and retain a diverse workforce in a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance work environment.
Ability, through required in‑house training, to qualify for operational competencies, including operation of ARFF equipment, performance of airport‑related first aid, execution of snow removal techniques, and safe operation of snow removal and related airport equipment.
Must possess a valid NY Drivers’ License as a condition of employment.
Must reside within reasonable commuting distance of the primary work location. Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, meet corporate and airport access and security requirements, and be able to travel and work domestically and internationally including occasional overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

College degree, preferably in airport, aviation, aerospace, business administration, engineering, or related field of study
At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible airport or public‑sector facilities management experience in a similar position, with demonstrated local institutional knowledge of a municipal or county port authority, airport authority, or similar governing body, including familiarity with building infrastructure and facilities systems
International Airport Professional (IAP) designation
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Local demonstrated experience in New York will be considered a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the on‑site manager responsible for the fulfillment of all contractual obligations between Avports and the Albany County Airport Authority.
Assist the CEO in administering, enforcing, and interpreting tenant agreements, airline lease and use agreements, and airport rules and regulations.
Perform, directly or through third‑party contractors, all tasks specified within the airport management contract.
Support and comply with all policies adopted by the Airport Authority Board and all internal financial and operational controls established by the Authority.
Has authority to direct all work of Avports management and employees, and may delegate such technical duties as circumstances require, without relinquishing his/her personal responsibilities.
Authority to provide direct leadership and influence decision making of all Avports employees within ALB, including union and non‑union personnel.
Instill a strong public‑service culture emphasizing safety, customer service, professionalism, and operational excellence.
Negotiate union contracts in alignment with the Airport Authority’s approved budget; manage contract compliance and oversee the union grievance process.
Ensure all airport employees and service contractors are trained in and comply with applicable safety, accident prevention, and emergency response requirements.
Maintain the physical condition of airport facilities, airfield infrastructure, buildings, grounds, and ground support equipment in accordance with industry standards for safety, efficiency, appearance, and identity.
Direct and oversee building maintenance, airfield maintenance, custodial services, parking operations, ARFF operations, and airport operations/security functions.
Ensure proper operation, maintenance, and lifecycle management of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fueling, and vehicle systems, including Million Air fuel trucks and specialized airport equipment.
Conduct and maintain condition surveys and inventories of vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure assets; make recommendations for equipment replacement or acquisition.
Recommend and identify infrastructure or facility needs that fall outside the scope of Avports’ maintenance or custodial departments. Ensure an effective preventive maintenance program is maintained.
Maintain and enforce a comprehensive airport‑wide safety management program to comply with emergency procedures, reduce accidents, property and equipment damage, and personnel injuries. Ensuring effective business continuity plans are maintained through each department.
Provide oversight of all aspects of airport security and risk management, ensuring protection of the public, employees, tenants, and airport property.
Maintain readiness to respond to emergencies, including implementation of Airport Emergency Procedures and coordination of medical aid when required.
Participating actively with leadership and in-person coordination in Airport Emergency Response and business continuity activities, such as snow events and other airport disruptions.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, local, and airport authority regulations related to safety, security, and emergency response.
Assist the Airport Authority in the preparation of the annual operating budget and monitor operational performance against budgeted goals. (e.g., parking operation, ARFF operation, building maintenance, airfield maintenance, airport operations/security office, custodial operation, etc.).
Establish and maintain effective operational controls to ensure efficient, cost‑effective airport operations.
Continually monitor staffing, procedures, facilities, and systems to identify opportunities for operational and financial efficiency improvements.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders (i.e., airlines, airport tenants, TSA, FAA, government agencies, passengers, etc.).
Serve as liaison with the CEO onsite, executive‑level representatives and state and federal agencies regarding airport matters and aid programs.
Assist in developing and implementing noise abatement, community information, and public relations programs that balance community needs with safe and efficient airport operations.
Provide support, when requested, in the development and implementation of marketing programs that promote utilization of airport facilities by current and prospective users.
Report regularly to the CEO and respond to executive concerns regarding airport operations, compliance, performance, and strategic initiatives.
Participate in the development of policies related to tenant agreements, lease negotiations, and airport operational governance.
Represent Avports in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner, demonstrating sound judgment, critical thinking, and effective decision‑making consistent with the responsibilities of the position.