About LAWA

At Los Angeles World Airports, our work connects Los Angeles to the world. LAWA operates LAX and VNY, supports regional passenger, cargo, and general aviation demand, and manages a complex airport system that plays a major role in the Southern California economy. Our teams work across operations, infrastructure, public service, safety, security, sustainability, and customer experience to keep our airports moving and to shape the future of aviation in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan regions. Source

About the Role

LAWA is seeking a seasoned executive to serve as Deputy Executive Director – Capital Programs, reporting directly to the Chief Airport Development Officer. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for helping guide major airport capital improvement programs and the multidisciplinary teams that plan, design, construct, and deliver them.

The ideal candidate brings a strong record of leading complex airport infrastructure programs, aligning diverse stakeholders, and driving execution across large public-sector environments. This role requires sound judgment, operational credibility, and the ability to lead City employees, consultants, and contractors through every stage of project delivery.

Candidates should bring at least 10 years of demonstrated experience leading large-scale airport capital programs, including oversight of the teams responsible for design, construction, and program management.

What You’ll Do

Provide executive leadership for complex airport capital improvement programs from planning through closeout
Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including City staff, consultants, contractors, and project partners
Oversee delivery strategy across multiple project delivery methods, including:
Progressive Design-Build
Construction Manager at Risk
Design-Bid-Build
Lead contract administration, negotiation, and claims resolution
Support financial stewardship of capital programs, including project finance and cost management
Ensure compliance with public contracting codes, procurement requirements, and applicable regulatory standards
Guide airport project planning, governance, controls, analytics, and reporting
Drive project lifecycle management with a focus on long-term value and total cost of ownership
Integrate Federal Aviation Regulations, airport operations, airfield requirements, and construction safety into program execution
Partner with executive leadership and key stakeholders to keep critical infrastructure programs on track, on budget, and aligned with operational priorities

What You Bring

Minimum 10 years of experience leading large airport capital improvement programs
Demonstrated success managing complex design and construction efforts in an airport environment
Deep knowledge of:
Contract and claims negotiation
Project finance
Public contracting codes and requirements
Airport project planning
Project controls, analytics, and governance
Project lifecycle management and total cost of ownership
Federal Aviation Regulations
Airport and airfield operations
Construction and airport safety management systems
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
Ability to work effectively across technical, operational, executive, and public-sector stakeholder groups

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, aviation, or a related field required
Master’s degree preferred

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in airfield and airport operations
Relevant certifications in airport or airfield operations
Professional registration in engineering or architecture highly desirable

Los Angeles World Airports jobs

Deputy Executive Director - Capital Programs

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