Airport Project Programming Manager

Airport Project Programming Manager (Capital Projects Manager)

This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Capital Projects Manager vacancies. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and / or lower classifications.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately on both the ADK website and through the County of Orange's website. The ADK Executive Search link will be provided below. Please note - in order to be considered, all candidates must complete the County of Orange's application. The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11 : 59PM PST. To view the full recruitment brochure with ADK Executive Search, please click here !

John Wayne Airport Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 and 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.8 million annual passengers. We strive to provide a superior guest experience to ensure travel is convenient and stress-free. The County of Orange owns and operates the airport and the service area includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.

As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.

The newly reformed Planning and Development Division oversees and delivers the airport's $700 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which includes airside, landside, and terminal renovations, as well as major utility projects and long-term infrastructure planning. The Division is also a key partner in the implementation of the General Aviation Improvement Program and the Terminal Tenant Concession Redevelopment Program. This team has 28 professionals in a variety of roles. This Division's functional areas include engineering, A / E design standards, land use and airport planning, environmental compliance, capital project programming, project management, project controls, and construction Coordination and Logistics Management (CALM).

John Wayne Airport (JWA) is seeking a qualified and experienced Capital Projects Manager to lead the planning and execution of the Airport's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This position reports directly to the Planning and Development Business Services Deputy Director and will oversee the development, programming and planning of the Airport Capital Projects of JWA's 7-year CIP, valued at over $700 million. The program includes key improvements to airport infrastructure such as the Airfield, Terminal Facilities, Parking Structures, Energy, and other related infrastructure. This role requires strong leadership, coordination, and technical skills to ensure projects are properly funded, budgeted, prioritized, and scoped to be delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with airport goals.

Responsibilities include :

• Develop and manage the airport's multi-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including budget creation, program approval, and project prioritization to meet short and long term infrastructure needs
• Plan and oversee major capital projects to enhance airport safety, reliability, and resilience, and updated FAA Airport Capital Improvement Program plans totaling over $700 million
• Review project studies, scopes, and specifications for inclusion in the CIP, ACIP and the 5 year Strategic Financial Plan relating to scope, funding, cost, and airport priorities
• Recommend project prioritization and scheduling to meet infrastructure needs, applying changes, FFA guidance, future projects and aviation best practices
• Prepare complex reports, cost estimates, and planning studies in support of Airport Project Planning, forecasting, budgeting, and scheduling for future improvements
• Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Project Controls, Budget, Maintenance, Grants, CALM, as well as consultants and stakeholders to ensure capital projects are appropriately funded, defined and aligned with the airport's capital and operational needs
• Facilitate clear and concise communication among project teams, stakeholders, and executive management to ensure transparency
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify operational challenges, infrastructure gaps, and recommendations to mitigate risks
• Prepare memos, reports, and briefings that include recommendations and supporting documentations such as spreadsheets, charts and analysis
• Review projects to ensure delivered projects meet planning requirements and intent
• Gather stakeholder feedback and identify potential new projects for future improvements

The most successful candidates will possess seven (7) years of direct and progressive experience in Capital improvement project programming, construction, grant management, project management, and / or civil engineering. Must include at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. Extensive experience in the development, programming, and management of infrastructure Capital improvement Programs. Must include at least three (3) years of experience in an airport setting. A master's or a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction, aviation management, architecture or related field is highly desirable. The ideal candidate's work experience will also demonstrate the core competencies outlined below :

Technical Expertise

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Leadership

The successful candidate must obtain, possess, and maintain the following licenses :

Employees must clear a background check, which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check, and Security Threat Assessment (STA) check. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Airport Access Badge