Director of Airport Operations and Compliance

Job Description

Job Description

Step into the hub: A day shaping safe, smooth airport operations

As the Director of Airport Operations and Compliance, you orchestrate the airport’s daily rhythm—aligning ground handling, passenger care, maintenance, and security so people, aircraft, and teams move safely and efficiently. Your morning begins with operational dashboards and safety briefings, your midday is spent calibrating KPIs and budgets, and your afternoon brings you to the ramp, the terminal, and stakeholder meetings with airlines, authorities, and government partners. Throughout, you steer compliance, elevate customer experience, and drive sustainable growth.

What you'll lead

• Full-spectrum operations leadership across ground handling, customer service, and maintenance with a continuous focus on safety and reliability
• Strategic planning to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and raise customer satisfaction metrics
• Leadership of department heads and supervisors—coaching, setting expectations, and building high-performing teams
• Performance management using KPIs and objectives to measure, analyze, and improve outcomes
• Collaboration with airlines, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and effective partnerships
• Business development through innovative services and alliances that expand our portfolio and profitability
• Financial stewardship: budgeting, forecasting, and timely executive reporting
• Regulatory compliance and safety management system integrity across all functions
• Crisis leadership and emergency response preparedness
• Cultural stewardship—promoting safety, service excellence, and continuous improvement
• Customer advocacy, resolving escalations and protecting our brand reputation
• Human resources oversight including hiring, training, and performance management
• Market awareness—tracking industry trends, new tech, and the competitive landscape
• External representation at industry events, conferences, and public forums
• Sustainability leadership—advancing environmentally responsible practices
• Other duties as assigned by senior leadership

What you'll bring

• 18 years of age or older
• 3+ years of airport or aviation management experience with proven leadership responsibility
• Deep knowledge of aviation regulations, operational safety, and security protocols
• Evidence of success in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (intermediate or higher)
• Fluent, professional communication in English—reading, writing, and speaking
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• Ability to find, access, and interpret information in print and electronically; comfort using adaptive technologies or methods as needed
• Skilled at collaborating with colleagues and clients both face-to-face and via digital channels
• Eligibility to obtain required airport and government credentials/clearances (e.g., FAA, RAIC, TSA, Port Authority, U.S. Customs, U.S. Postal, as applicable)
• Flexibility to work extended hours on occasion to support field operations
• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment.
• Pass a background check and drug screen

Work environment and physical demands

• Lift, move, or carry items up to 25 pounds
• Long periods of seated, computer-based work with intermittent office movement
• Intervals of standing and walking in both indoor and outdoor airport areas
• Exposure to moderate and occasionally high noise typical of an airfield
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Ability to hear and respond to spoken instructions and audible alarms
• Repetitive motions involving arms, wrists, hands, and fingers may be required

Visual capabilities include close and distance vision, peripheral awareness, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus for detailed work and situational awareness.

Compliance notice

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements.