The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Airport and is responsible for managing the daily operations including airport operations and maintenance, operational and facility asset management and planning, and security and safety. The COO is responsible for developing and implementing strategies across the organization and must be a strong and effective leader, able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous deadline-oriented workplace.

This position requires a leader who will determine priorities, set operational objectives, and implement plans effectively. The COO must have demonstrated the ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and facilitate problem solving and collaboration among various stakeholders, both internal and external. Additionally, the COO must be capable of exercising considerable independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in determining the optimal strategy for resource utilization and providing support to all users of PHL.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

Works alongside the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to further refine the mission, goals, and priorities of the Airport and the City of Philadelphia.
Ensures that the two airports within the PHL Airport system, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), operate safely and efficiently, complying with all federal, state, and local regulations, policies, and contractual obligations while applying modern best practices in airport management.
Prepares, gains approval, and executes against a long-term strategic plan as well as an annual business plan for the Airport.
Provides regular, timely reporting on airport operations and maintenance results, issues, and plans to the Airport CEO. Provides executive review and oversight of maintenance programs including Maximo and similar systems. Analyzes data from the system reports and provides executive summary to Airport executives and airport tenants and makes assessments on necessary changes to policies and procedures across the organization.
Meet or exceed specific performance objectives, and financial, business and operating objective, established in collaboration with the Airport CEO.
In partnership with the CEO, assists in developing and maintaining relationships with the business community, Airport Advisory Board, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), various levels of government, aviation industry associations, the travel and tourism industry, chambers of commerce, the convention industry, regulators, labor and various community groups.
Provides supervision and oversight of airport emergencies, heightened security situations, and irregular weather operations.
Continually examines the Airport’s technology needs and capabilities, identifying opportunities for improvement and advancement to provide a high level of customer service to passengers, stakeholders and staff; collaborates with Airport Chief Administrative Officer to implement operational solutions.
Provides leadership to Airport employees, including the supervisory responsibility for Vice President of Operations and Security and Vice President of Facilities Maintenance assigned to the Philadelphia International Airport and their related areas of responsibility, promoting and maintaining strong employee morale.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned by the Airport CEO.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation Management, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
10 years of Airport or aviation industry experience, at least 5 of which are as a senior leader at a US airport with significant air carrier service, with considerable management experience and understanding of legal and financial issues related to security, maintenance, and operation of airport facilities; experience with managing extreme weather situations preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

Demonstrated track record of delivering and managing safe, secure, efficient airport management and operations.
Experience developing and executing multi-million dollar operating budgets and identifying opportunities for improved efficiencies and cost savings.
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of an airport.
Sound knowledge of applicable operations, development, and related technical specialties.
Strong problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills are required.
Must possess a positive attitude, be customer focused, and be able to lead in a complex, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
Must be a seasoned and effective communicator in both oral and written forms.
Significant experience managing a large staff through subordinate managers, including unionized work forces.
Knowledgeable about asset management and work order systems.
Knowledgeable about airline and other aviation industry operations, practices and business models.

Residency:

New hires must establish and maintain residency in the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of appointment and for the duration of employment in this position.