Chief Operating Officer

at  City of Philadelphia

Company Description
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The Philadelphia airport is a dynamic place to work. It is the only major airport serving the 7th largest metropolitan area in the United States and is one of the busiest airports in the country. The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation oversees both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Airport (PNE), the city’s general aviation reliever airport. The airport system operates through the Aviation Fund, which is an enterprise fund of the City of Philadelphia and is completely self-sustaining using no local taxpayer dollars to operate. Learn more about the airport at www.phl.org.
Our Mission:
Proudly connecting Philadelphia with the world
Our Vision:
World-class global gateway of choice

Our Values:

• People First - Our employees, stakeholders and passengers
• Respect - To ourselves, our customers and our environment
• Integrity - We hold ourselves responsible for what we do, say and think (Talking the talk, walking the walk)
• Diversity - Purposefully inclusive and accepting of all
• Excellence - We hold ourselves to the highest standards of service, innovation, and efficiency

Philadelphia Airport has won numerous awards for quality, diversity, and innovation:

• 2024 Project of the Year – Department of Aviation Taxiway P Realignment - Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NEC/AAAE)
• 2023 PHL & PNE first airports in PA to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation
• 2023 Mission Award – PHL’s Restroom Renovation Project – March of Dimes
• 2022 Stevie Awards Silver Recognition for Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion
• 2022 Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE-NEC) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
• 2022 Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE-NEC) Honorable Mention, Airfield Project of the Year: Terminal D/E Apron Repairs
• 2022 Airports Going Green (AGG) – Outstanding Sustainability Infrastructure Development Award for PHL Apron Project
• 2022 Shaw Contract Certificate of Appreciation – Sustainability and Carpet Recycling Efforts
• 2022 Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Philadelphia Chapter’s Diversity Award – Commitment to Advancing Diversity in Leadership Roles for Women

Philadelphia Airport Executive Board Appointments and Awards:

• 2024 Airport Executive of the Year – Keith Brune – Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NEC/AAAE)
• 2023 Elected to Board of Directors - Atif Saeed - American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
• 2023 Elected Chair of Finance Committee Steering Group – Tracy Borda - Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA)
• 2023 Philadelphia Business Journal Diversity in Business Award – Delicsha Wilds
• 2023 Philadelphia Title 100 – Allen Mehta
• 2023 Elected as one of six at-large airport members on Environmental Affairs Committee – Jessica Noon - Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA)
• 2022 CFO of the Year Honoree – Tracy Borda – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 2022 Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Large Airport Finance Professional of the Year - Tracy Borda
• 2022 WTS Board of Directors Appointed President of Philadelphia Chapter - Api Appulingam
• 2022 Stevie Awards Bronze Recognition for Female Executive of the Year – Delicsha Wilds

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Department of Aviation consisting of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) 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 and PNE. The COO must have a proven track record in areas which include operations, airport facility development and rehabilitation projects, and asset management. The COO is responsible for establishing safe, secure, reliable, cost effective and efficient operation of the airport with the highest levels of customer service; maintaining state of good repair for the Airport facilities and working with the CEO in developing and maintaining strong liaisons with key constituent groups to ensure that the Airport’s interests are coordinated with all relevant stakeholders. The COOs direct reports include Vice President of Facilities Maintenance and Vice President of Operations and Security, Director Safety Management Systems (SMS) and other direct reports as assigned by the CEO including consultants. The COO may be designated to act for the Airport CEO when the CEO is out of the office.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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.
  Qualifications

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.
• Certified as an Accredited Airport Executive by American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) or International Airport Professional (IAP) is strongly preferred.
• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Chief Operating Officer.

Additional Information

• Works alongside the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to further refine the mission, goals, and priorities of the Department of Aviation and the City of Philadelphia.
• Ensures that the two airports within the 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 Airport operations.
• 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 objectives, 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, regulators, labor and various community groups.
• Provides supervision and oversight of airport emergencies, heightened security situations, and irregular weather operations.
• Responsible for ensuring airport facilities and grounds meet best-in-class standards, are clean, safe, and where applicable in compliance with federal regulations.
• 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.
• Meet or exceed specific performance objectives, and financial, business and operating objectives, 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, regulators, labor and various community groups.
• Provides supervision and oversight of airport emergencies, heightened security situations, and irregular weather operations.
• Responsible for ensuring airport facilities and grounds meet best-in-class standards, are clean, safe, and where applicable in compliance with federal regulations.
• 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.