Manager, Operations

About Vantage Group

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services.  Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location.  Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve.  Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors.  Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more.  

The Role

Reporting to the Director, Operations, the Manager, Operations is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational governance, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence programs across Vantage's network. Working closely with network location teams, corporate teams, regulators, and external partners, the Manager provides strategic leadership and operational support to ensure network locations maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and company standards while driving consistent operational performance and best practice delivery.

This role leads the planning, execution, and oversight of Integrated Operations programs in collaboration with other Integrated Operations team members, including operational assurance, quality management, environmental initiatives, emergency management, operational readiness, and continuous improvement projects. The Manager is responsible for developing operational frameworks, policies, standards, and guidance that strengthen operational capability across the network, while providing leadership to operational projects, new business pursuits, and the ongoing evolution of Vantage's Operations Services and Advisory Services programs. The role also provides coaching, technical expertise, and strategic guidance to network locations, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Integrated Operations programs, standards, and initiatives across the Vantage network.
• Provide strategic leadership and subject matter expertise to network locations to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and compliant operations in accordance with applicable regulations, contractual obligations, company standards, and industry best practices.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational governance frameworks, policies, standards, procedures, and guidance documents that promote operational consistency and continuous improvement across the network.
• Lead operational assurance programs, including Quality Assurance (QA) audits, Master Service Agreement (MSA) reviews, peer reviews, compliance assessments, and corrective action management.
• Monitor network operational performance, regulatory compliance, safety and security trends, and organizational risks, providing regular reporting, analysis, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Monitor emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and evolving best practices, preparing executive briefings and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Provide operational leadership and regulatory support to network locations in the areas of safety management systems (SMS), security management systems (SeMS), emergency management, airside operations, environmental compliance, and operational readiness.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational management programs, including emergency management, wildlife management, environmental management, business continuity, operational readiness, and other Integrated Operations initiatives.
• Support network locations in the planning, facilitation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of emergency exercises, tabletop exercises, operational readiness activities, and incident response planning.
• Develop and oversee operational performance dashboards, compliance metrics, and key performance indicators to support governance, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure operational manuals, standard operating procedures, emergency plans, regulatory documentation, and operational reporting systems remain current, effective, and aligned with organizational standards.
• Establish and oversee systems to monitor regulatory obligations, audit findings, corrective actions, compliance deadlines, and operational risks across the network.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with regulators, airport authorities, rail operators, industry associations, consultants, and other external stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional operational projects and strategic initiatives, including new airport and rail station mobilizations, operational transitions, advisory services, and integration projects.
• Support network locations in annual business planning, operational budgeting, resource planning, and long-term operational improvement initiatives.
• Lead the development of operational training strategies, learning programs, best practice guidance, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen operational capability across the network.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to Operations Coordinators and operational leaders throughout the network.
• Support new business development activities by providing operational expertise for proposals, due diligence, mobilization planning, client presentations, and the development of new Operations Services offerings.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance throughout the Vantage network.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Primary Qualifications

-You hold an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Operations, Aviation Business Administration, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, Emergency Management or related disciplines and/or equivalent experience.

-Masters’ degree preferred; technical studies diploma in airport operations considered an asset.

-You have 5 to 10 years of progressive multi-disciplinary airport operations experience, including experience in a station or airport leadership role.

- Experience in the following is an asset:

• Aerodrome Standards and Recommendations
• Airport Operations Manual
• Airfield Maintenance
• Capital Improvements
• Project Management

Operational knowledge of:

Aerodrome Standards and Recommendations, Airport Operations Manual, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, Airfield Maintenance, Airside Traffic Directives, Apron Safety & Management, Emergency Response, Safety Management Systems, Security Management Systems/Airport Security, Wildlife Management & Control, Winter Operations

• Understanding of occupational health & safety regulations
• Working knowledge of financial/budget management
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary operational audits and showcase effective leadership
• Curious about the “why” and able to thrive in ambiguity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Public speaking and presentations skills for a variety of audiences, including board and executive level
• Sound knowledge of project management delivery techniques
• Demonstratable business acumen
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for the resolution of operational problems
• Able to be a self-starter and make effective decisions with minimal supervision
• A team player focused on effective operational performance in a complex environment
• Ability to foster strong and meaningful ongoing relationships with network airports and stakeholders
• Aptitude for critical problem solving and conflict resolution, with the ability to maintain objectivity and impartiality
• Ability to multitask, manage time and respond well under pressure (e.g., emergency situations, etc.)
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within North America and Internationally as required for site support and new business development

Primary Work Location: Hybrid / Remote position – ideal candidates will be located in one of the following areas: greater New York City, Tri-State Area, greater Boston, US Northeast Region. *On site travel to airport and other network assets will be occasionally required.   

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package, career progression, and access to a global team of talented professionals, we are growing and offer boundless opportunities to make your mark. If you share our sense of adventure, come, and join us for the journey. 

Compensation: The expected annual compensation for this position includes a base salary of $135,000 - $155,000 per year, plus eligibility for an annual incentive.

AI Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence-powered tools to support candidate sourcing. All applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition and Hiring teams, and all selection and hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers.
Vacancy Disclosure: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

To apply

Please visit our Careers page at:

https://www.vantagegroup.com/careers/ and follow prompts to apply with your cover letter and résumé.

All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in the US will be considered.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills. As a global organization, we are always looking for differentiated points of view. We know that a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce is essential to our shared success, and we invite you to join us for the journey.