Aviation Project Manager

For over 60 years, DOWL has thrived as an established, highly reputable, professional services consulting firm, recognizing that the foundation of our past, present, and our future is our people.  DOWL’s foundation is built upon four core values: Inclusion, Integrity, Innovation, and Inspiration.  These values are rooted in everything we do. As a valued partner on our team, you will be one of the People Who Make It Happen!
 

The Aviation Project Manager leads the planning, design, and construction of airport projects that ensure high quality, profitability, and client satisfaction. People in this role have a wide-ranging technical background in aspects such as airside and landside paving and drainage, airport lighting, and navigational aids, as well as strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to swiftly comprehend complex technical information and make prudent decisions.
 

The Aviation Project Manager is responsible for winning, managing, monitoring, and delivering aviation projects that are high-quality, profitable and result in client satisfaction. People in this position have a broad technical background across a variety of disciplines, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to quickly assimilate complex technical information in order to make informed decisions. The person in this position will demonstrate an advanced understanding of managing single-discipline projects, a basic understanding of managing aspects of a multidisciplinary project, and learn how to fit each task together for successful marketing strategy followed by successful project delivery.

An Aviation Project Manager must demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency along with providing trusted leadership and guidance to less experienced team members as necessary. This position requires a seller-doer mentality and includes business development, client relations, staff leadership and business management responsibilities. This role also requires excellent interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, solid judgement, and a desire to learn and grow. An Aviation Project Manager is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary. 

Job Responsibilities and Duties 

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Software 

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) - Proficient 
• Projectwise, Newforma, Deltek Vison, UKG, Bluebeam - Proficient 

Technical Expertise 

• Demonstrates clear understanding of project-related technical terms and fundamentals 
• Coordinates resolution of technical issues with project staff 
• Reviews and interprets technical drawings and documents 
• May prepare technical documents as necessary
• Leads the development of project plans, specifications, and estimates 

Teamwork, Communication, and Leadership 

Demonstrates excellent communication and collaboration skills in both a leadership and supporting role. Interacts with clients, teaming partners, and contractors resulting in client satisfaction. Takes responsibility for personal and team results and proactively seeks to assist and mentor others. 

Project Schedule and Delivery 

Plans and develops a project schedule that balances client needs and internal capacity. Oversees the on-time submittal of technical work products and deliverables. Schedules/leads internal and external project meetings to maintain project progress. Coordinates with resource managers to ensure adequate staffing is assigned to projects. 

Understanding Scope and Budget 

Demonstrates full proficiency with preparing scope of work and fee breakdowns that result in financial success for the firm. Monitors project financials, burn rate, and earned value and takes appropriate action to make adjustments as needed. Identifies project changes (e.g., scope, schedule, budget, project team, client team) quickly and obtains contract amendments or conducts other change management activities as needed. 

Business Development, Marketing, and Industry Standards 

Participates in business development and marketing efforts by meeting with clients and teaming partners, identifying leads for future work, identifying which leads are the best to pursue, positioning the firm to win those projects, and collaborating with others to successfully propose and win. Accountable for winning work for the firm. 

Client Interaction 

Frequent communications with clients and teaming partners during project meetings, industry conferences, and other events. Manages communications between client, DOWL, and/or subconsultant staff. Serves as a company ambassador that fosters client satisfaction and loyalty. 

Other duties as assigned. 

Level of Work/Accountability 

Provides management and leadership for multiple projects of moderate size and complexity. Leads the development of scope, schedule and budget for projects. Responsible for project quality, client satisfaction, and financial outcomes of assigned projects. Works independently with minimal oversight to complete pursuit development and business development tasks. Follows established procedures and exercises independent judgment on administrative projects under broad minimal management direction.   

Supervisory Duties 

May be a supervisor:  

• Oversees team operations and the daily workflow of the team 
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks 
• Recruits and hires new employees 
• Implements training for new hires and identifies training opportunities for current staff 
• Communicates information from leadership to employees and vice versa 
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching 
• Sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision and communicates them to employees 
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations 
• Decides on reward and promotion based on performance 
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy 

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor's Degree required 
• Years of experience required: 6 years (0 years as a PM) 
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 5 years (0 years as a PM) 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• PE licensure required
• PMP preferred
• DOWL PM certification required 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Geographic location is taken into consideration for compensation.