Director Airport Optimization

International Applicants are Welcomed

Reports To: Senior Director, Operations, Safety and Security

Location: Montreal, Canada

Centres of Excellence: Operations, Safety and Security (Primary); Airport Capacity Enhancement (Secondary)

Position Purpose

The Director, Airport Optimization � Safety, Security and Operations leads programs and initiatives that improve operational efficiency, resilience, and performance across airside operations, airfield safety, and operational security. The role applies deep technical expertise to identify constraints, develop operational improvements, and strengthen airport capacity within a constrained global system. The Director advances ACI�s work in the Operations, Safety and Security Centre of Excellence and contributes to capacity enhancement initiatives in collaboration with the Airport Capacity Enhancement (ACE) team.

The Director supports global advocacy, contributes to ICAO-related work packages under the Senior Director�s leadership, and delivers practical tools, guidance, and best practices that help airports operate safely, securely, and efficiently. The role works closely with ACI Regions, airport members, and industry partners to elevate operational performance and enable airports to meet demand sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Optimization and Technical Leadership

• Lead optimization initiatives related to airside operations, airfield safety, and operational security, identifying constraints and developing solutions that improve airport performance.
• Apply expert-level technical understanding to strengthen SMS/SeMS interfaces, operational risk management, and resilience planning.
• Analyze emerging risks, operational trends, and system bottlenecks to develop tools, guidance, and recommendations for global application.
• Support ACE efforts to unlock capacity through operational improvements affecting runways, taxiways, aprons, and turnaround processes.

2. Programme and Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional projects from inception to implementation, ensuring alignment with ACI�s strategic plan and member priorities.
• Facilitate collaboration among global stakeholders, balancing competing perspectives and resolving conflicts constructively.
• Manage timelines, risks, and deliverables effectively while maintaining high-quality outputs grounded in operational reality.
• Use data, operational insights, and member feedback to inform programme design and decision-making.

3. Industry Engagement and Advocacy Support

• Engage with ICAO Panels and Working Groups under the Senior Director�s leadership, providing technical expertise to support ACI positions.
• Represent ACI in technical forums, sharing lessons learned and facilitating knowledge exchange.
• Collaborate with ACI Regions to understand airport needs and ensure global relevance in optimization work.
• Build strong working relationships with IATA, CANSO, ASA, ICCAIA, and other relevant partners.

4. Development of Operational Guidance and Best Practices

• Lead the development of manuals, operational guidance, policies, advisory bulletins, and implementation toolkits with a focus on optimization and operational resilience.
• Ensure outputs reflect ICAO SARPs, risk-based decision-making, and practical applicability across airports of varying scale and maturity.
• Support APEX in Safety and Security and Global Training by providing subject-matter expertise.

5. Cross-Organizational Collaboration

• Coordinate with other Centres of Excellence to ensure integrated operational solutions that support ACI�s advocacy and member-service priorities.
• Work with colleagues in facilitation, cybersecurity, planning, seamless travel, and capacity enhancement to address cross-functional issues.
• Help connect operational optimization efforts to broader organizational initiatives.

6. Member and Region Engagement

• Engage airport operators to understand their operational constraints and incorporate their experience into global guidance.
• Contribute to workshops, webinars, and training programs that build operational capability across the airport community.
• Support ACI Regions in delivering operationally focused initiatives that enhance member value.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in aviation, engineering, operations management, safety or security management, or sufficient equivalent experience.
• Minimum seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations, safety, security, or airside management.
• Experience in operational optimization, performance management, or capacity analysis.
• Familiarity with ICAO SARPs and operational regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.

Competencies and Values (C1 � Director Level)

• Strong operational expertise in airside operations, safety, and operational security.
• Excellent communication skills, able to write persuasively and present complex information clearly.
• Ability to facilitate discussions, manage difficult conversations, and build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive operational improvements.
• Strong planning, critical thinking, and decision-making skills with the ability to anticipate risks and develop practical solutions.
• Commitment to integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, and excellence.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills with global stakeholders.

Working Relationships

Internal:

• Senior Director, Operations, Safety and Security
• Directors and Senior Managers across OSS, ACE, and other Centres of Excellence
• APEX, Global Training, Communications and Data/Intelligence teams

External:

• ACI Regions and airport members
• ICAO technical groups (as assigned)
• Industry partners (IATA, CANSO, ASA, ICCAIA, etc.)
• Consultants and subject-matter experts

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise Senior Managers, Managers, secondees, or project-based contributors.
• Provides coaching, feedback, and professional development support.
• Ensures a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance team culture.

ACI World Values

• Stewardship
• Member-focused
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Inclusivity

What We offer

• A challenging and exciting position in an international and multicultural environment.
• Hybrid work environment
• 4 weeks of vacation/year.
• 5 sick days/ year.
• 5 mental wellness days/year.
• Employee cell phone (iPhone) with TELUS Health virtual care included.
• Health insurance coverage from your first day of employment.
• Opus/EXO Transit discount on monthly pass.
• Employee recognition points earned to convert into redeemable gift cards
• Very flexible employee monthly wellness account to use to achieve a greater work life balance

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