Southeast Aviation Operations Leader

RS&H•Tampa, FL

About The Position

RS&H is seeking an experienced Operations Leader to oversee the performance, project delivery, and continued growth of its Southeast Aviation Infrastructure practice. The role leads a team of approximately 40 professionals based in Mobile, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale, with support from planning, environmental, architecture, and other technical teams across the firm. The Operations Leader oversees operational and financial performance, serves as a Senior Project Manager or Project Officer on significant aviation projects, develops the team, and strengthens airport-client relationships throughout the Southeast. This hands-on leadership role combines technical guidance, project delivery, business performance, market development, and people leadership. The role includes leading complex airport projects and shaping the continued growth of the practice within an employee-owned national firm.

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 Southeast 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 that support 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 the operational and business performance of the Southeast 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 to advance 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 consistently 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 presence in the Southeast aviation market, 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.
Set clear 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 work for clients.