Airport Senior Manager of General Aviation

Airport Senior Manager of General Aviation The Senior Manager (Reliever Airport) is the on-site leader responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of BKL operations, facilities, and safety/security functions. The role supports the Assistant Director of Airport Operations & Public Safety in systemwide integration efforts, promoting standardization across both airports in maintenance programs, safety systems, emergency management, and customer experience initiatives. The position balances hands-on operational leadership with strategic alignment to ensure BKL remains a fully compliant, efficiently operated, and community-engaged asset within the region's aviation system. The position plays a critical role in advancing operational improvements, supporting strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and excellence. Typical duties performed, include, but are not limited to oversight of daily operations to ensure alignment with departmental objectives and organizational priorities. Dependent upon service area, may manage and direct staff to maintain efficient workflows, ensuring productivity and high-quality outcomes. Develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement. Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to support departmental initiatives. Perform other job-related duties as required. Bachelor's degree required.

Substitution:

Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking. Six (6) years of full-time management experience required. Four (4) years of demonstrated leadership experience. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement effective solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.

Additional Requirements:

Must successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 10-year fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check and employment background check and Security Threat Assessment. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug test. This position may require availability outside standard business hours for crisis response or major airport events. On-site presence at BKL is required to support airport operations and emergency response coordination. NIMS and ICS certifications for General Employee tie and any assigned working groups must be completed within six months of employment and complete additional or refresher trainings as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in management, Aviation or a related field. Five years of supervisory experience • Knowledge of FAA Requirements Experience in Aviation Airport Certified Employee (ACE) AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) or Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) Key Responsibilities Leadership & Oversight Directs all day-to-day operations at Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) including Airfield Operations, Facilities Maintenance, Security, and Safety Management. Provides on-site leadership and coordination of staff, ensuring compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA, and NFPA standards applicable to the scale of BKL's operations. Serves as primary liaison with tenants, business jet operators, and general aviation users. Collaborates closely with CLE-based Senior Managers to maintain aligned programs, shared technology platforms, and consistent best practices. Leads BKL's participation in airport-wide initiatives, including safety audits, emergency exercises, and capital planning coordination. Operational Management Oversees all operational activities, ensuring compliance with FAA and airport safety standards. Monitors airfield conditions, maintenance priorities, and facility needs across terminal, hangar, and grounds areas. Coordinates ARFF readiness and mutual aid response with CLE and local fire/rescue partners. Supervises custodial and building maintenance programs appropriate to BKL's scale and uses profile. Ensures readiness of snow removal and airfield equipment, coordinating fleet maintenance with CLE's Vehicle Maintenance Bureau where appropriate. Administrative & Budget Responsibilities Develops and manages the annual operating budget for BKL, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource utilization. Prepare reports, project updates, and performance metrics for the Assistant Director and other senior leadership. Supports procurement, small capital improvement projects, and grant administration as assigned. Technology, Innovation & Integration Implement shared software tools and systems used throughout the airport network (e.g., CMMS, BAS, SMS, access control, fleet tracking). Coordinates with CLE Senior Managers to ensure data and system interoperability and consistent reporting. Identifies opportunities for operational efficiencies, sustainability improvements, and automation suitable for a smaller but highly active airport. Participates in cross-airport working groups to align safety, maintenance, and emergency planning efforts. Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness Oversees BKL's Safety Management System (SMS) program implementation and ensures proactive hazard identification and mitigation. Coordinates security operations, access control, and perimeter management consistent with CLE standards. Develops and maintains emergency response procedures in partnership with the City of Cleveland, CLE, and local agencies. Serves as on-site Incident Commander or key liaison during emergency events or irregular operations. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Represents the airport in community meetings, business outreach efforts, and special events. Promotes positive tenant relations, fostering an environment of transparency and responsiveness. Supports integration of BKL operations within regional transportation and economic development strategies. Responds to the airport 24/7 for airport emergencies including accidents, incidents, aircraft emergency response, and snow removal activities. Manages employees and outside contractors responsible for repairing, modifying, and Serve as a liaison between airport departments, tenants, vendors, and external stakeholders to support seamless airport operations, Oversee all airfield-required repairs, maintenance, inspection, alteration and other activities, to ensure compliance with CFR Title 14 Part 139 certification standards. Responsible for budget development and oversight. Additionally, manages creating requisition requests, ordering equipment, supplies/materials, services, manages requisitions and payments, and coordinates services with outside contractors. The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.