Deputy Director - Airfield Operations

Wayne County Airport Authority•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Airfield Operations plans, organizes, and directs daily and ongoing activities of the Airfield Operations Department at DTW and YIP airports. The role provides leadership, managerial oversight, and technical expertise to subordinate managers, Airfield Operations staff, and other Airport Authority departments to support safe, efficient, and compliant operations in accordance with regulations and organizational objectives. The position supports department planning and administration, oversees staff through subordinate supervisors, and ensures management of activities such as service expansion, training, airport access and permit control, the Airfield Operations control center, airfield construction, emergency response, FAA inspections, security, law-enforcement policy compliance, and special programs. It coordinates with stakeholders on construction work and snow and ice events, including planning, task delegation, progress or event reviews, and communication about impacts to airfield surfaces. The Deputy Director also helps develop department goals, policies, procedures, budgets, staffing plans, and work standards; participates in hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination activities; directs analytical studies; monitors relevant technological and legislative developments; and recommends purchases and operational improvements. The position maintains department records and prepares reports and other written materials. The role manages 1–5 direct employees and 11–49 indirect employees. The work is governed by broad objectives and policies, with independent judgment expected within authorized limits. The incumbent must maintain the ability to qualify for a security ID badge and maintain WCAA Airfield Certification (Movement Area).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in Aviation Management, Aviation Safety, Occupational Safety, or a related field.
Six or more years of related experience in Aviation Management or Aviation Transportation.
Four or more years of supervisory or management experience.
Proficiency with Office Suite software, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Proficiency with project management software.
Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS).
Valid driver's license and a safe, acceptable driving record.
Ability to maintain eligibility for a security ID badge.
Ability to maintain WCAA Airfield Certification (Movement Area).

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, administer, delegate, review, and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and office support staff through subordinate supervisory personnel.
Ensure staff manage daily Airfield Operations Department activities, including service expansion, training, airport access and permit control, the Airfield Operations control center, construction projects, emergency response, FAA inspection and security, law-enforcement policy compliance, and special programs.
Support pre-construction planning, participate in construction progress meetings, and conduct pre- and post-phase-change reviews with stakeholders.
Delegate related tasks to department subordinates before, during, and after construction projects.
Serve as liaison with stakeholders, including air carriers and FAA partners, to communicate activities affecting movement and non-movement surfaces.
Support snow and ice pre-event planning, participate in the ECC during events, and take part in post-event stakeholder reviews.
Delegate related tasks to department subordinates before, during, and after snow events.
Ensure accurate records, files, and reports are maintained; prepare reports, correspondence, policies, and other written materials.
Assist with implementing department goals, objectives, policies, procedures, annual budget, and work standards.
Assist in determining staffing needs and evaluating candidates for promotion or employment; monitor and participate in employee discipline and termination activities.
Direct, perform, and assign analytical studies related to Airfield Operations.
Monitor and evaluate technological and legislative developments that may affect department operations.
Recommend purchases, policies, and procedures to improve department functions.
Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.
Manage people, including staffing decisions with concurrence, performance appraisals, employee training and development, and disciplinary matters in conjunction with HR.