Aviation Department Manager

Description

The Aviation Department Manager is responsible for leading and growing the firm’s Aviation practice through a combination of technical expertise, people leadership, client engagement, and strategic business development . This role provides overall direction for aviation civil engineering services, manages a multi-disciplinary team, and serves as a visible leader both internally and externally. The Department Manager plays a key role in expanding the aviation portfolio, strengthening client relationships, and positioning the firm for continued growth in existing and new markets.

This is a local hybrid position.

Requirements

Who You Are

• •Proven leadership experience within an aviation or transportation engineering environment.
• •Strong background in aviation civil engineering with the ability to provide high-level technical oversight and guidance.
• •Demonstrated success in client-facing roles, business development, and practice growth.
• •Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
• •Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership and operational execution.

What You’ll Do

Department & Team Leadership

• •Lead the Aviation Department, with direct management responsibility for a portion of the team.
• •Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture focused on quality, responsiveness, and professional growth.
• •Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development guidance to staff.
• •Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development to meet current and future workload demands.

Practice Growth & Strategy

• •Drive continued growth of the Aviation practice, aligning department goals with the firm’s strategic vision.
• •Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including geographic expansion and new client relationships.
• •Collaborate with firm leadership to develop long-term practice plans, staffing strategies, and revenue goals.

Client Leadership & Business Development

• •Serve as a client-facing leader and trusted advisor for aviation clients and stakeholders.
• •Represent the firm at national conferences, industry events, and client meetings to strengthen brand visibility and relationships.
• •Lead or support business development efforts including proposal strategy, pursuit planning, and client interviews.
• •Maintain and expand relationships with airport authorities, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.

Technical Oversight & Quality

• •Provide high-level technical oversight for aviation civil engineering projects, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with FAA and industry standards.
• •Support Project Managers and Technical Leads in resolving complex technical, schedule, or coordination challenges.
• •Ensure projects are delivered in alignment with scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.

Operational & Financial Management

• •Oversee department performance, workload planning, and staff utilization.
• •Support project financial management efforts, including forecasting, staffing alignment, and coordination with Project Managers.

Some of What You’ll Enjoy

• •A competitive benefits package including 401(k) match, employee stock ownership, paid volunteer time off, parental leave, and continuing education reimbursement.
• •Flexible work scheduling within a growing, forward-thinking organization.
• •A collaborative, inclusive, and engaging work environment.
• •Colleagues who value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
• •Employee-led committees that promote social engagement, wellness initiatives, and community service throughout the year.