Chief Operating Officer (Richmond)

FGP has been retained by Richmond International Airport to identify their next Chief Operating Officer.

The COO is responsible for managing daily operations of the airport by planning, developing, directing, and overseeing the operational personnel and divisions including Capital Development, Maintenance, and Operations & Security. This includes coordinating activities across these divisions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies, supporting efficient and safe airport operations, and providing leadership to maintain effective communication and workflow throughout the organization.

The COO plays a critical leadership role in operationalizing the airport’s culture by translating organizational values into daily practices, behaviors, and accountability across all operational areas. The COO is responsible for converting the airport’s strategic plan into clear operational priorities, service standards, and measurable performance expectations that drive organizational alignment, operational excellence, employee engagement, and a consistent customer experience.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL

• Prepare, present, and administer a budget for the divisional areas of responsibility.
• Direct and supervise the preparation and recommendation of both an airport master plan and an airport capital improvement plan.
• Ensure the organization operates within legal and ethical boundaries by monitoring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies; identify potential compliance risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of operational, security, and emergency plans for the airport.
• Manage holistic facility management and asset program.
• Ensure operational efficiency, decrease operational costs, and realign resource allocation for optimal efficiency and resiliency.
• Ensure compliance of facilities, infrastructure and maintenance, airfield, security, and communications operations with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and sound business practices.
• Serve as a leader in emulating the cultural vision and values while ensuring a culture of civility.
• Ensure employee performance evaluations are established and updated regularly; provide feedback to direct reports and monitor workload and assignments.
• Maintain regular and sustained attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position oversees the Capital Development, Maintenance, and Operations & Security divisions. Supervision is the responsibility of positions in this classification.
• Decisions are made within broad interpretation of applicable guidelines and federal, state, and county policies and rules.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or bachelor's degree in aviation or airport management, business administration, planning, engineering, public administration, public safety, or a closely related field.
• Ten to twelve (10-12) plus years of progressively responsible airport leadership experience. At least five to six (5-6) years of director level experience and must include the supervision of staff.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Industry Knowledge – Knowledge of all aspects of airport management including airport capital development, airport operations, airport security, airport facility development and rehabilitation projects, maintenance and facility management, asset management, airside and landside operations, communications, airport security, aircraft rescue firefighting and law enforcement on airports.
• Regulatory Knowledge – Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for federally funded programs and projects. Knowledge of state, local, and Capital Region Airport Commission regulations and requirements.
• Operations Knowledge – General knowledge of airport operations to ensure that plans include considerations for the continuity of operations through the program and project implementation process.
• Presentation and Reporting Skills – Skilled at presenting ideas and preparing concise reports that align with organizational goals.
• Communication Skills – Ability to communicate effectively, deliver clear and strategic messages, facilitate critical conversations, and demonstrate transparency to align priorities and foster trust across teams.
• Customer Service Skills – Ability to set, communicate, and uphold clear customer service expectations by monitoring performance, coaching team members, and ensuring consistent delivery of respectful, responsive, and efficient service that anticipates customer needs.
• Critical Thinking – Ability to set and model clear expectations for critical thinking by guiding team to analyze information objectively and evaluate alternatives.
• Problem Solving – Ability to guide structured problem-solving and remove barriers.
• Interpersonal Skills/Relationship Management – Ability to foster collaboration, inclusion, and trust.
• Time Management – Ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans.
• Administration and Leadership – Ability to organize and direct activities.
• Human Capital Management – Ability to recruit, develop, and motivate employees.
• Performance Management – Ability to set expectations and evaluate results.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Safety Stewardship – Align safety with long-term planning and culture.
• Organizational Integrity – Set the tone for ethical behavior and transparency.
• Visionary Customer Strategy – Define and communicate a compelling service vision.
• Innovation Strategy – Drive purposeful innovation for growth and impact.
• Enterprise Agility – Lead transformative change to remain competitive.
• Culture Building – Cultivate a values-driven, high-performance culture.
• Cross-Functional Leadership – Align departments to achieve shared goals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver's License; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a SIDA badge.
• Ability to evaluate and learn new systems quickly.
• Possession of industry certifications (A.A.E., I.A.P., C.M., P.E., A.I.C.P., A.C.E., etc.).
• Background in Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies.