Senior Program Manager - Aviation

Senior Program Manager – Aviation

The Senior Program Manager – Aviation is responsible for leading and overseeing complex airport development and capital improvement programs throughout Texas. Based in Dallas, TX, this role provides strategic direction and leadership across all phases of planning, design, and construction, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with client objectives. The Senior Program Manager serves as a key liaison between airport authorities, consultants, contractors, and internal teams, driving program execution, managing risks, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. This position offers the opportunity to lead high-profile airside and landside initiatives that enhance airport operations, improve the passenger experience, and support long-term infrastructure growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee full program lifecycle for large, multi-year aviation development programs, including planning, design, procurement, and construction.
• Provide executive-level leadership, decision-making guidance, and strategic direction to technical teams.
• Establish program governance frameworks, reporting structures, and performance metrics.
• Drive alignment between client goals, regulatory requirements, operational constraints, and project execution plans.
• Serve as the primary interface with airport authorities, senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and third-party partners.
• Facilitate program workshops, progress meetings, executive presentations, and stakeholder coordination sessions.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients and key program participants.
• Review program scopes, design deliverables, technical studies, phasing concepts, cost estimates, and construction packages.
• Provide direction on airside, landside, and terminal elements including runways, taxiways, aprons, roadways, utilities, vertical facilities, and support infrastructure.
• Monitor adherence to FAA regulations, airport design standards, environmental requirements, and industry best practices.
• Manage program budgets, schedules, risk registers, change control, and cost forecasts.
• Oversee program reporting, dashboard development, and executive summaries.
• Ensure prompt resolution of issues affecting cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational continuity.
• Lead, mentor, and support multidisciplinary teams of project managers, engineers, construction managers, and controls specialists.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support staff development, recruitment, performance reviews, and succession planning.

Education and/or Experience:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Planning, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• PMP certification or equivalent.
• Proven experience delivering major airport development programs (airside, landside, or terminal).
• Strong understanding of FAA standards, airport planning principles, environmental processes, and construction phasing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and manage client relationships at the executive level.
• Experience with program controls systems and reporting platforms.
• Experience with major hub airports and capital programs.
• Familiarity processes, tools, and integrated delivery models.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.