Director, Operations

Description

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Tulsa International Airport (TUL), including coordinating operational activities across multiple departments, tenants, airlines, contractors, federal agencies, and external stakeholders while supporting operational readiness, infrastructure reliability, emergency preparedness, and organizational performance. This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Airfield Operations, Safety and Security, Field Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance, Electrical Maintenance, and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) functions.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Collaboration & Teamwork: Establish and reinforce clear team goals, roles, and expectations while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-trust environment. Build strong relationships across teams and stakeholders through effective communication, emotional intelligence, and shared ownership of outcomes. Address conflict, silos, and alignment challenges to improve team effectiveness and engagement.

Integrity & Trust: Model and enforce the highest standards of ethical behavior, compliance, and safety while consistently demonstrating integrity and accountability. Address concerns promptly, fairly, and consistently, and foster an environment where employees feel respected, heard, and empowered to speak up without fear of retaliation.

Change Leadership & Innovation: Lead organizational change by clearly communicating purpose, impact, and expectations while guiding teams through transitions with direction, support, and barrier removal. Drive implementation, accountability, and follow-through to ensure successful adoption and measurable results.

Drive for Results & Accountability: Set clear, measurable expectations aligned with organizational goals and operational priorities while fostering a culture of high performance, ownership, and accountability. Hold self and others accountable for delivering consistent results, meeting commitments, and contributing to organizational success.

Execution & Decision Making: Align team priorities, resources, and processes with business objectives to ensure effective execution and operational performance. Demonstrate sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while making timely and informed decisions in complex or high-pressure situations. Continuously improve processes, systems, and workflows to support organizational effectiveness.

People Leadership: Provide regular, specific, and actionable feedback to support employee performance and professional growth. Develop talent through coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities while addressing performance or behavior concerns fairly and timely. Delegate responsibilities with clear expectations and accountability to empower team growth and success.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

* Plans, directs, and oversees airport operational functions at Tulsa International Airport (TUL) including Airfield Operations, Airfield Maintenance, Airport Safety and Security, ARFF, Environmental Compliance, Fleet Maintenance, and Electrical Maintenance.

* Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing airport operations, including FAA Part 139, TSA security requirements, environmental regulations, and associated airport certification and operational requirements.

* Oversee and maintains operational programs and regulatory documents including, but not limited to, the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Airport Security Program (ASP), Snow and Ice Control Plan, Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Safety Management System (SMS), and associated compliance documentation.

* Provides executive oversight of airfield safety, operational readiness, emergency response coordination, wildlife hazard management, construction coordination, and operational continuity activities.

* Serves as the airport liaison and contract administrator for ARFF services, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with all applicable FAA Part 139 aircraft rescue and firefighting requirements.

* Directs airport snow and ice control operations and coordinates operational response efforts during severe weather events and emergency situations.

* Oversee operational coordination with airlines, tenants, contractors, FAA Air Traffic Control, TSA, Airport Police, mutual aid agencies, and other operational stakeholders.

* Assists in the preparation and administration of departmental operating and capital budgets and supports operational planning and airport development initiatives.

* May assist in the preparation and negotiation of tenant agreements, leases, operational permits, and resolution of airline and tenant operational issues.

* Provides leadership, supervision, professional development, and performance management for operational leadership staff and promotes a culture centered on safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

* Works collaboratively with other departments to support airport-wide initiatives, operational efficiency, and organizational goals.

Requirements

Education & Experience

* Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Emergency Management, Engineering, or equivalent, related experience required. Master's degree in a related field preferred.

* Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible airport operations experience in a commercial service airport environment or closely related field.

* Minimum of five (5) years of management/leadership experience and responsibility for, including but not limited to: operational leadership; budgeting & resource management; employee engagement & development; and complex operational programs or projects.

* Experience overseeing multiple operational disciplines such as airfield operations, airfield maintenance, airport safety and security, emergency response & ARFF coordination, regulatory & environmental compliance, fleet management, or airport infrastructure systems strongly preferred.

* Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), Certified Member (C.M.), United States Aviation Professional (USAP), or other applicable aviation industry certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Comprehensive knowledge of airport operations principles, FAA Part 139 regulations, TSA security requirements, airport emergency management practices, and Safety Management System (SMS) principles. Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, operational standards, policies, procedures, technical documents, and contractual requirements.

* Knowledge of airfield maintenance operations, snow and ice control procedures, airport construction safety coordination, wildlife hazard management, and airport operational readiness requirements.

* Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and employee development skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams across multiple operational disciplines in a collaborative, safety-focused, and performance-oriented environment.

* Ability to manage multiple complex projects, emergency situations, and competing priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.

* Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and make critical operational decisions during emergencies, severe weather events, and operational disruptions.

* Strong strategic, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. Ability to analyze operational data, inspections, audits, and performance metrics to identify trends, improve operational efficiency, and reduce risk.

* Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for diverse audiences, including executive leadership, governing boards, regulatory agencies, airlines, tenants, and public officials.

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with FAA, TSA, Airport Police, airlines, tenants, contractors, mutual aid agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and working knowledge of operational systems, data analytic platforms, and compliance management tools.

Physical Requirements

* Ability to perform work in both office and operational environments with regular walking, standing, bending, and occasional lifting to 50 pounds.

* Adequate vision, hearing, and speech to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, including operation of a motor vehicle.

* Ability to respond to airport emergencies and operational incidents outside normal business hours.

* Ability and willingness to travel 10-20% of work time.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

• Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, background verifications, and federal security threat assessments in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Must meet all applicable federal, state, local, airport, and regulatory requirements for employment and access credentials, including possession of a valid Oklahoma Class "D" Driver's License.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain all required airport security clearances and credentials, including but not limited to a SIDA badge and Customs Seal.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (918) 838-5019 or amandabryson@flytulsa.com.