Northeast Aviation Operations Leader

RS&H Talent Acquisition•Vienna, VA

About The Position

RS&H is seeking an experienced Operations Leader to lead performance, project delivery, and continued growth of its Northeast Aviation Infrastructure practice. The position oversees operational and financial performance, serves as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer on significant aviation projects, develops a high-performing team, and strengthens relationships with airport clients throughout the Northeast. The team includes approximately 10 professionals primarily based in Philadelphia and Vienna, with support from planning, environmental, architecture, and other technical teams across the firm. This hands-on leadership role combines technical aviation expertise, project and operational oversight, client and market leadership, and people management. The Operations Leader will guide complex airport projects and programs from kickoff through completion, maintain delivery standards and accountability, monitor practice performance, and support the practice’s sustainable growth. RS&H is an employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm with national resources and a collaborative, team-oriented Aviation practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent professional degree.
Current Professional Engineer license.
At least 15 years of progressive technical experience within aviation, airfields, or a closely related discipline.
At least 10 years of leadership and supervisory experience managing technical teams and project delivery.
Demonstrated experience delivering aviation or airfield projects as a Project Manager or Project Officer.
Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, quality, and risk.
Strong professional judgment and client-facing communication skills.
Ability to lead independently while collaborating effectively across a national organization.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading projects for large commercial service airports.
Experience working across aviation planning, aviation and airfield projects, environmental, architecture, and engineering disciplines.
Established relationships within the Northeast aviation market.
Demonstrated success strengthening project performance, developing teams, and supporting business growth.

Responsibilities

Serve as Senior Project Manager or Project Officer for significant aviation projects and programs.
Lead airport planning and design projects from kickoff through completion.
Maintain accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk management, and contract compliance.
Provide senior technical guidance and establish delivery standards supporting quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
Oversee workload distribution and coordinate resources across disciplines and offices.
Lead projects involving live-airfield constraints, complex phasing, multiple stakeholders, and high public visibility.
Lead operational and business performance of the Northeast aviation infrastructure practice.
Monitor financial results, project performance, backlog, staffing needs, and forecast accuracy.
Identify operational or financial risks and implement corrective actions when needed.
Partner with Division and Regional Leaders on annual business plans, market priorities, and sustainable growth initiatives.
Balance immediate project and operational needs with the long-term health and growth of the practice.
Ensure company policies, procedures, and quality requirements are followed consistently.
Serve as a senior point of contact for airport clients, stakeholders, teaming partners, and community partners.
Support business development, pursuit strategy, and client relationship activities.
Strengthen RS&H’s presence in the Northeast aviation market, expand relationships, and identify new opportunities.
Communicate proactively with clients to resolve issues and guide projects toward successful outcomes.
Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing aviation team.
Directly supervise and mentor technical leaders and professionals.
Establish expectations for quality, accountability, collaboration, and project delivery.
Identify technical and professional development needs and provide coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
Support workforce planning, talent acquisition, succession planning, and career development.
Foster an environment where employees can grow while delivering exceptional work for clients.