Construction Director or Senior Director - Aviation/Airport (Travel Required)

AECOM•Phoenix, AZ

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM Hunt is seeking senior construction leaders for our Aviation/Airport construction vertical to support airport construction projects. This role provides executive leadership for field operations across complex aviation and airport infrastructure projects. It oversees multiple concurrent programs, including terminals, airside/landside improvements, concourses, and support facilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution within active airport environments. This role plays a critical role in aligning field operations with project delivery strategies, maintaining strict regulatory compliance, and minimizing disruption to ongoing airport operations. This opportunity is tied to projects across multiple U.S. markets. Candidates should be open to travel and/or temporary relocation depending on project location.

Requirements

Director level: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field plus 12 years of progressive construction experience including at least 5 years within the aviation industry, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
At least 4 years of leadership experience OR Senior Director level: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field plus EXTENSIVE years of progressive construction experience including at least 5 years within the aviation industry, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
At least 6 years of leadership experience.
Extensive experience delivering aviation or large-scale transportation infrastructure projects.
Experience leading large ($500M-$1B+) complex projects.
Proven leadership overseeing multiple complex projects in active, highly regulated environments.
Ability to pass security screenings and background checks.
Willingness to travel or relocated as determined by project location.

Nice To Haves

15+ years of progressive construction field leadership experience.
Experience working with major general contractors or ENR-ranked firms.
Deep expertise in aviation construction and airport operations.
Advanced planning, phasing, and logistics management in constrained environments.
Strong knowledge of FAA, TSA, and airport authority regulations.
Executive leadership and team development.
Financial acumen and operational excellence.
Exceptional stakeholder and client management skills.

Responsibilities

Lead field operations across major aviation construction programs, including terminal expansions, runway/taxiway projects, and airside infrastructure.
Provide oversight to General Superintendents, Superintendents, and field teams across multiple job sites.
Standardize aviation-specific field execution practices across projects and regions.
Ensure seamless coordination between field teams and airport authorities.
Direct construction activities in highly regulated, operational airport settings with minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations.
Oversee phasing, logistics, and access planning in secure and constrained environments.
Coordinate closely with airport operations, TSA, FAA stakeholders, and airline partners.
Ensure strict adherence to project schedules, including night work, shutdown windows, and phased turnover requirements.
Champion a safety-first culture with emphasis on airside safety protocols and zero-incident performance.
Ensure compliance with all aviation safety standards, including FAA regulations and airfield operational requirements.
Lead safety planning for complex conditions (e.g., working near active runways, secure zones).
Oversee incident response and continuous safety improvement initiatives.
Enforce rigorous quality control standards aligned with aviation authority requirements.
Ensure compliance with FAA, TSA, local airport authority, and environmental regulations.
Oversee inspection processes, commissioning, and turnover of critical infrastructure systems.
Partner with Project Executives and Operations leadership to ensure projects meet financial and performance targets.
Monitor productivity, cost control, and labor utilization across aviation projects.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency in complex airport builds.
Serve as a senior point of contact for airport authorities, owners, and key stakeholders.
Build strong relationships to support repeat business in aviation markets.
Represent field operations in executive-level meetings, progress reviews, and client presentations.
Lead development of high-performing field teams with aviation expertise.
Mentor General Superintendents and emerging field leaders.
Support recruitment and retention strategies for specialized aviation construction talent.