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Job Summary
Requirement is to have highly experienced and dynamic Lead Airport Planner/Design Manager to join our Aviation Planning team. The successful candidate will be a pivotal figure in shaping the future of how we plan and deliver all planning project at Jacobs -Mainly leading the development and execution of strategic airport master plans and critical infrastructure planning & design projects. This role demands a seasoned professional with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in airport master planning, a deep understanding of aviation regulations and industry best practices, and a proven track record in project management, particularly in ensuring the timely delivery of complex airport development initiatives. The Lead Airport Planner will be responsible for translating long-term vision into actionable plans, managing multidisciplinary teams, and effectively collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Master Planning & Development
- Lead the development, review, and update of comprehensive airport master plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, traffic forecasts, operational requirements, and regulatory compliance (e.g., DGCA,ICAO, FAA, EASA,).
- Conduct in-depthanalysesof existing airport facilities, capacity, operational efficiencies, and future growth projections for airside,landside, and terminal areas.
- Identifyand evaluate various development options, prepare conceptual designs, and develop feasibility studies for infrastructure expansion and modernization projects.
- Integrate sustainability principles, environmental considerations, and community impact assessments into all planning activities
Design andProject Management & Delivery
- Take ultimate responsibility for the planning phase of major airport development projects, ensuring they are meticulously planned, resourced, and scheduled for timely completion.
- Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation,utilizingindustry-standard project management methodologies.
- Proactivelyidentifypotential project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and implement robust control measures to prevent delays and cost overruns.
- Monitor project progress against established baselines, prepare regular progress reports, and present updates to senior management and stakeholders.
- Oversee the procurement and management of external consultants, ensuring their deliverables meet quality standards and project timelines.
Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement
- Ensure all planning activities and project designs adhere to relevant national and international aviation regulations, standards, and guidelines.
- Act as a primary liaison with regulatory bodies (e.g., aviation authorities, environmental agencies) to secure necessary approvals and permits.
- Build andmaintainstrong working relationships with internal departments (Operations, Commercial, Finance, Security, ATC), airlines, ground handlers, concessionaires, and external government agencies.
- Facilitate workshops, presentations, and public consultations to gather input and build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Lead, mentor, and guide a team of airport planners and technical specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
- Delegate tasks effectively, provide constructive feedback, and support the professional development of team members.
- Support Business development and new project pursuits
- Review and approve planning documents, reports, and designs prepared by the planning team.
Innovation & Best Practices
- Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and innovative solutions in airport planning and development.
- Champion the adoption of best practices in design, engineering, project management, and environmental stewardship.
- Utilize advanced planning software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS,AviPLAN,AirTOp) and data analysis tools to enhance planning accuracy and efficiency.
Here's what you'll need
Required Qualifications
Education Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, ora relatedfield. AMaster'sdegree in Airport Planning, Aviation Management, or Project Management is highly preferred.Experience Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in airport planning, witha significant portiondedicated to airport master planning and large-scale infrastructure project management within an airport environment or a specialized aviation consultancy.Project Management Certification PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.Technical Expertise
- Demonstratedexpertisein airport master planning processes, methodologies, and deliverables.
- In-depth knowledge of ICAO Annex 14 standards,DGCA CAR & Circular, BCAS Circulars,FAA Advisory Circulars, orequivalentotheraviation authority requirements.
- Proficiencywith airport planning software (e.g.,AviPLAN, AutoCAD, GIS, Revit).
- Strong understanding of airside, landside, and terminal planning principles, including runway/taxiway geometry, stand allocation, passenger flow, and ground transportation.
Leadership & Management
- Proven leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
- Exceptionaldesign andproject management skills, includingdesign coordination,budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and quality control.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget in a complex stakeholder environment.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
- Ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders, and manage conflicts effectively.
Analytical & Problem-Solving
- Highly analytical with strong problem-solving capabilities and attention to detail.
- Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to complex planning challenges.
Desired Attributes
- A passion for aviation and airport development.
- Proactive, results-oriented, and able to work effectively under pressure.
- High levelof integrity and professionalism.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and learning
At Jacobs we value people. Having the right balance of belonging, career and lifestyle enables us to consistently deliver and exceed clients’ expectations.
Working alongside industry leaders, you will have the opportunity to develop your career working on key projects in an environment which encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. To support your professional growth, Jacobs flexible working arrangements, extended leave options and a host of social, health and wellbeing events and initiatives will underpin our commitment to you.At Jacobs it’s all about what you do, not where you are, which counts!We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
