Mid-Atlantic Aviation Operations Leader

RS&H Talent Acquisition•Charlotte, NC

20h

About The Position

RS&H is seeking an experienced Operations Leader to lead the performance, project delivery, and continued growth of its Mid-Atlantic Aviation Infrastructure practice. This hands-on leadership role is for a technically strong aviation professional responsible for operational and financial performance, significant project delivery, team development, and airport client relationships throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The team includes approximately 20 professionals, primarily based in Charlotte and Raleigh, with additional support from planning, environmental, architecture, and other technical teams across the firm. The Operations Leader will serve as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer on significant projects and programs, oversee airport planning and design projects from kickoff through completion, and maintain accountability for scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk management, and contract compliance. The position also leads business performance, supports market and business development, and directly supervises and mentors technical leaders and professionals. RS&H is an employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm. Its Aviation team serves airports of all sizes as a trusted advisor in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. Service areas include airfields, buildings, facility planning, environmental planning, and environmental stewardship and resiliency. The firm cites integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork as its core values.

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.
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 Mid-Atlantic aviation market.
Demonstrated success strengthening project performance, developing teams, and supporting business growth.

Responsibilities

Serve as a 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 Mid-Atlantic aviation infrastructure practice.
Monitor financial results, project performance, backlog, staffing needs, and forecast accuracy.
Identify operational or financial risks and implement corrective actions.
Partner with Division and Regional Leaders on annual business plans, market priorities, and sustainable growth initiatives.
Ensure company policies, procedures, and quality requirements are followed.
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 the firm’s Mid-Atlantic aviation presence, expand existing 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 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 client work.