Airport Operations Manager

Airport Operations & Aviation Manager CornerStone Professional Placement is seeking an experienced Airport Operations & Aviation Manager for an exciting leadership opportunity with a growing North Texas municipality. This position is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and long-term development of a thriving regional airport. This opportunity is ideal for a business-minded aviation professional who understands airport operations while also possessing strong executive leadership, financial management, and strategic planning experience. The Aviation Manager serves as the face of the airport, working closely with city leadership, FAA and TxDOT representatives, airport tenants, businesses, and community stakeholders to drive long-term growth and execute the Airport Master Plan.About the Airport This is a busy, general aviation airport operating as an uncontrolled (non-towered) airport, where pilots self-coordinate arrivals and departures using the published Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). Airport highlights include:

• Approximately 43,000 aircraft operations annually, making it one of the busier non-towered airports in North Texas. *
• Approximately 100 aircraft arrivals and departures each day. *
• Open 7 days per week from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. *
• One terminal building. *
• Approximately 86 hangars, including 80 T-hangars. *
• Airport hangars are 100% occupied with an active waiting list. *
• No scheduled commercial airline service. *
• Serves private, corporate, executive, charter, and flight training operations.

Major airport users include:

• Private aircraft owners *
• Corporate aviation departments *
• Charter operators *
• Executive aircraft *
• Flight school operations *
• Aircraft management companies *
• New international commercial hangar currently under construction

Position Summary The Airport Operations & Aviation Manager provides executive leadership over all airport business and operational functions, balancing daily airport operations with long-range planning, financial stewardship, infrastructure improvements, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. This individual oversees airport operations while serving as the airport's primary business executive responsible for budgeting, lease administration, capital planning, committee presentations, and advancing strategic development initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesExecutive Leadership

• Lead all airport operations, maintenance, administration, safety, planning, and customer service functions. *
• Direct strategic initiatives that support long-term airport growth and implementation of the Airport Master Plan. *
• Serve as the primary representative of the airport with city leadership, FAA, TxDOT Aviation, consultants, contractors, tenants, and community stakeholders.

Airport Operations

• Oversee day-to-day airport operations. *
• Manage airfield operations, facilities, fueling activities, tenant services, and customer experience. *
• Ensure runway inspections, airfield maintenance, and operational readiness. *
• Oversee airport safety, emergency response planning, compliance, and operational inspections. *
• Manage both full-service and self-service fueling operations utilizing QTPod and FBO Director software.

Business & Financial Management

• Develop and administer the airport's approximately $2.4 million annual operating budget. *
• Manage: *
  • Budget planning * *
  • Financial reporting * *
  • Revenue generation * *
  • Capital expenditures * *
  • Billing * *
  • Accounts Receivable * *
  • Lease administration * *
  • Contract management *
• Administer airport leases and tenant agreements. *
• Identify and pursue opportunities that enhance airport revenue and long-term sustainability.

Capital Improvement Projects Oversee multiple active capital projects including:

• Drainage improvement project *
• Runway fog seal project *
• Runway striping improvements *
• New runway lighting installation *
• Multiple FAA and TxDOT grant-funded infrastructure improvements

Manage grant compliance, project schedules, consultant coordination, contractor oversight, and project budgets.Strategic Planning & Community Relations

• Lead implementation of the Airport Master Plan. *
• Prepare presentations for executive leadership and governing committees. *
• Build strong relationships with airport tenants and aviation businesses. *
• Identify opportunities for future airport development and economic growth.

Committee & Board Responsibilities Attend and support monthly meetings with:

• Mayor/Council Committee *
• Airport Stakeholder Committee

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing meeting agendas *
• Recording meeting minutes *
• Creating PowerPoint presentations *
• Presenting project updates *
• Tracking follow-up action items

Staff Leadership Lead a team of six airport employees, providing leadership, coaching, accountability, and professional development while maintaining a culture centered on safety, customer service, and operational excellence. Line Technicians perform responsibilities including:

• Fueling aircraft *
• Aircraft marshaling *
• Runway inspections *
• Grounds maintenance across approximately 502 acres *
• Facility cleaning *
• General airport maintenance *
• Operational support

Safety & Regulatory Compliance The Aviation Manager serves as the airport's primary authority for:

• Airport safety *
• FAA compliance *
• Emergency response planning *
• Operational compliance *
• Environmental compliance *
• Grant assurance compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required. *
• Master's Degree preferred. *
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible airport operations or aviation management experience. *
• Minimum three (3) years of leadership or management experience. *
• Strong knowledge of: *
  • FAA regulations * *
  • Airport compliance * *
  • Airport planning * *
  • Grant administration * *
  • Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) * *
  • Airport budgeting and finance *
• Experience managing airport leases, contracts, infrastructure projects, and operational performance. *
• Working knowledge of aviation fueling operations, airport maintenance, emergency management, and safety programs. *
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Certifications Preferred certifications include:

• Certified Member (C.M.) – American Association of Airport Executives *
• Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)

Candidates who do not currently possess these certifications must be willing to obtain them within an agreed-upon timeframe.Employment Type: Direct HireSchedule: Full-TimeLocation: On-siteSalary: $70,000 annuallyBenefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.If interested, send your resume to Allison Harrison at allisonh@cornerstonestaffing.com and call 817-635-0500X162 for immediate consideration.