What are the responsibilities and job description for the Airline Project Transition Manager position at Aviation?
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