Airline Project Transition Manager
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Overview
Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with strong airline and aviation services expertise to support short-term mobilization and implementation efforts tied to newly awarded airline RFPs. This temporary 3-month assignment is designed to provide rapid operational deployment and transition support following contract awards.
This role requires extensive travel and on-site presence at airport locations, playing a critical role in ensuring seamless startup execution, operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and successful service launches.
Assignment Duration
- Temporary assignment: 3 months
- Potential extension based on business needs and contract awards
Key Responsibilities
- Lead contract startup and mobilization activities following airline RFP awards
- Serve as the primary project lead coordinating cross-functional teams, including Operations, HR, Training, Safety, Finance, GSE, and Compliance
- Develop, manage, and execute startup project plans, timelines, and key deliverables
- Support station readiness efforts, including staffing, training, GSE deployment, uniforms, supplies, and vendor coordination
- Ensure compliance with contract requirements, SLAs, CBAs, airport regulations, and applicable living wage ordinances
- Act as the primary liaison between corporate leadership, station management, and airline partners
- Identify operational risks and implementation gaps while developing mitigation strategies
- Conduct onsite readiness assessments, go-live support, and post-launch operational reviews
- Prepare executive-level startup reports, progress updates, and operational status communications
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of project management experience within aviation, airline operations, ground handling, or airport services environments
- Direct experience supporting airline contract startups, transitions, and RFP mobilizations
- Strong understanding of airline operational structures and station staffing models
- Experience working within unionized environments and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) preferred
- Familiarity with airport authority regulations, compliance standards, and living wage ordinances
- Proven ability to manage multiple operational workstreams under aggressive timelines
Skills & Competencies
- Strong project planning and execution capabilities
- Cross-functional leadership and coordination
- Operational readiness and startup assessment expertise
- Risk management and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, high-pressure operational environments
Travel Requirements
- Extensive travel required
- Ability to remain onsite at assigned airport locations for extended periods
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and irregular schedules during startup operations
Preferred Certifications (Not Required)
- PMP or equivalent Project Management certification
- Six Sigma or Lean experience is a plus
Work Environment
- On-site airport operational environments
- Fast-paced, customer-facing settings
- High-visibility role supporting critical airline service launches and operational transitions
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