IT Manager - Airport Management

Our client is a well-established, Chicago-based airport management firm that has provided specialized airport management services for over 35 years, with deep expertise in slot coordination, schedule facilitation, and day-of-operations management at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest and most complex airports in the world. The organization operates on behalf of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and has been an active participant in O'Hare's modernization strategy, recently deploying a new cloud-native digital operational backbone at the airport.

This is a brand-new role created at the direct directive of the Chicago Department of Aviation. The CUPPS IT Manager will serve as the operational steward for the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) platform at O'Hare, which coordinates airline check-in, boarding, and gate operations across common-use facilities. You will own system performance, configuration, and cross-functional coordination to ensure seamless, 24/7 airport operations.

This is a high-visibility position with clear influence on business outcomes and the opportunity to shape processes and strategy from the ground up rather than inherit a fully defined playbook. The successful candidate will enjoy trusted ownership and autonomy, be empowered to make decisions, and build a strong reputation among a diverse community of airlines, airport teams, government stakeholders, and technology partners.

Airline Services & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate airline onboarding and offboarding within CUPPS, including airline-specific configurations and operational communications (updates, outages, testing schedules).
• Organize user training and collaborate with airport teams to maintain smooth, uninterrupted operations.

System Operations & Administration

• Monitor CUPPS health, system availability, and daily operations; manage configurations, environments, maintenance planning, and scaling.
• Oversee asset lifecycle management and coordinate cross-stakeholder issue resolution and root-cause follow-up.

Integration & Interface Management

• Maintain a centralized register of CUPPS, airline Departure Control Systems (DCS), and system interfaces; manage documentation and implement interface changes.
• Conduct end-to-end integration testing, organize training after major changes, and resolve data exchange issues across stakeholders.

Security & Access Control

• Coordinate with CDA IT on identity governance, monitoring, and incident response; manage access provisioning and periodic user access reviews.
• Engage the CUPPS vendor for security support, planned maintenance, and vulnerability remediation; immediately escalate critical security breaches to CDA.

Training, Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all training content, procedures, and documentation remain accurate and aligned with operational needs; communicate schedule and procedure updates to stakeholders.
• Deliver monthly CUPPS performance reports to CDA Operations and track system performance, incident trends, and SLA compliance to drive continuous improvement.
  
  

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Aviation Management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 5+ years of experience in airport IT systems, airline systems, or common-use platforms.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional stakeholders including airlines, ground handlers, vendors, and airport operations teams.
• Strong understanding of airport passenger processing workflows (check-in, boarding, gates, kiosks).
• Experience with system configuration, user access administration, and device management.
• Knowledge of system integrations and data exchange between airport and airline systems.
• Proven experience with system performance monitoring, SLA management, and incident response.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to manage vendor relationships and coordinate technical activities in a regulated, 24/7 operational environment.
• Ability to obtain an O'Hare Airport Security Badge and Customs Clearance.
  

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with CUPPS-certified platforms (e.g., SITA, Amadeus, ARINC/Collins, Sabre).
• Knowledge of IATA common-use standards (e.g., RP 1797, CUPPS architecture).
• ITIL certification or demonstrated familiarity with IT service management frameworks.
• Experience with cybersecurity practices and access control in regulated or airport environments (Security+, CISSP, or similar).
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) or equivalent experience.
• Microsoft certifications (Windows Server, Azure, Endpoint Management) or Cisco networking certifications (CCNA/CCNP).
• Experience with CUTE systems or airline Departure Control Systems (DCS).
  
  

• Competitive salary of $130,000 annually.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of employee premiums paid by the company.
• 10 vacation days, 5 paid personal leave days, and 5 paid sick leave days.
• Paid parking at O'Hare International Airport.
  

Meaningful Impact: This is a newly created, high-visibility position where your decisions directly impact millions of travelers passing through one of the world's busiest airports. You will shape processes and strategy from the ground up.

Trusted Ownership & Autonomy: You will be empowered to make decisions, bring new ideas, challenge the status quo, and own results end-to-end in a role built on a foundation of trust and accountability.

Career Growth: Designed to evolve as you grow, this role offers a clear path toward expanding ownership, strategic leadership responsibilities, and increasing influence over time.

Values-Driven Culture: Join an inclusive, collaborative, trust-based organization grounded in integrity, excellence, and mutual respect — where employees feel heard, supported, and connected to a larger purpose.

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