2025 SNA Planning & Development Deputy Airport Director

ADK Consulting & Executive Search•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

The Deputy Airport Director of Planning and Development will serve as a strategic and hands-on leader for John Wayne Airport's newly restructured Planning and Development Division. Reporting to the Airport Director, this executive will oversee up to 28 indirect reports and the airport's $700 million CIP and manage transformative infrastructure initiatives. Projects include: Runway and Taxiway reconstruction Central Utility Plant and electrical distribution system Enhancements Vertical conveyance replacement Terminal Facility accessibility improvements Baggage handling system replacement Stormwater Treatment improvements This role is responsible for ensuring that all projects are delivered in compliance with FAA, CEQA, NEPA, and TSA standards-on time, within budget, and aligned with the Airport Layout Plan and long-term master planning goals. This position will guide the work of internal teams and external contractors, lead strategic capital planning efforts, and represent the airport in high-level discussions with elected officials, community groups, and regulatory agencies.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of seven (7) years of leading capital infrastructure management or business services experience, with a strong focus on project management, engineering, development, construction, or planning.
This includes five (5) years in a supervisory capacity, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience within the aviation industry.
A bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, architecture, construction management, or a related field

Nice To Haves

Master's preferred.
The following certificates are preferred but not essential:
Professional Engineer (PE)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Licensed Architect
Current knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, policies, regulations, and issues pertaining to Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139, land use law, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Ability to conduct complex professional/technical research and analysis for assigned projects
Ability to evaluate the technical work product of staff, consultants and contractors across multiple disciplines
Ability to manage the work of the other professional/technical staff/consultants related to aviation, Architecture/Engineering (A/E), Construction Management, Airport Land Use, and environmental issues
Airport Capital Project funding and budgeting, FAA ACIP requirements, FAA Grant Assurance requirements
Contract administration in Architect/Engineer (A/E), airport and other large scale, complex public works or environmental compliance projects and extensive knowledge of the governing building codes, public works contracting regulations, FAA Advisory circulars, etc.
Knowledge of Capital Improvement program best practices, project controls and construction coordination.

Responsibilities

Oversee all areas within the division, including Engineering, Project Management, Construction Coordination and Logistics Management, Project Controls, Airport Project Programming, Land Use Planning/Airport Land Use Commission, and Environmental Compliance
Establish goals and objectives for the Planning & Development Departments and ensuring resources are available to achieve goals, foster collaboration and a common vision across the various units of this division and the broad airport
Lead, plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the performance of staff, establish development goals, observe performance and provide guidance and feedback, with a focus on creating and maintaining a high performance, service-oriented work environment
Support staff development through incorporation of best practices, coaching, knowledge transfer, mentorship, and supporting formal training opportunities
Lead strategic capital planning to prioritize projects and optimize funding opportunities
Oversee the preparation, development, implementation, and evaluation of the CIP and the other programs/projects, including master plan updates, environmental planning, and other airport projects, to ensure airport safety, security, service reliability, and sustainability for current and future infrastructure needs
Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulation and procedures
Ensure clearly defined Project Definition Documents, Design Standards, Project Controls, and policies are developed, evaluated, established, maintained, implemented and regularly updated
Manage contract management activities and serving as a subject matter expert in all aspects of contract management to ensure the county/airport interests are represented
In collaboration with procurement, oversee the prepare an evaluation of RFPs and bid specifications negotiating and managing contracts
Interpret, recommend, and develop policies and procedures and resolving matters involving Federal obligations of airport sponsors related to development projects, including AIP Grants and PFC projects
Advise leadership on project status, forecasting organizational needs, and demonstrating the merits and value of CVG projects to stakeholders
Oversee planning, design, engineering, and construction management for capital projects
Manage project budgets, contracts, and compliance with technical and legal requirements
Ensure compliance with environmental and Land-use planning regulations
Ensure appropriate staff support to the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC)
Present clear and concise reports to leadership, committees and community groups
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure facility and system effectiveness, drive continuous improvements, and ensure accountability