Airline Project Transition Manager

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