Manager of Terminal Operations

METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 88-years in service to the East Tennessee area.  Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.  

The Position:

The purpose of the new position of Manager of Terminal Operations is to oversee, manage, and coordinate the staff and terminal operations of McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Provides for safety of the traveling public and efficient operation of the terminal personnel ensuring compliance with Federal and State regulations and airport rules, policies, and procedures. Responsible for the appropriate planning, coordination, and positioning of aircraft and for optimal use of aircraft holding areas, gates, and related terminal activities or equipment.  Has a role based on interpreting and implementing policy and practice within their organization. Reports to the Senior Director of Facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Supervises, directs, develops, and evaluates assigned staff. 


• Manages day-to-day control and long-range planning of the common use resources.


• Oversees the advanced scheduling process for all commercial air carriers and charter activities.


• Responsible for managing the safe and efficient flow of passengers through the airport terminal. This includes overseeing terminal inspection program, performance measurement tools, and terminal standards to enhance overall performance.


• Coordinates with airport tenants, stakeholders, and the public on passenger-related activities and Terminal Operations impacts. Actively participates in work groups to provide necessary information, services, plans, procedures, and resources for customers and tenants.


• Reviews raw data from the air carriers to understand and address resource management conflicts or potential operational impacts.


• Ensures the preparation of advanced planning documents for peak periods of travel to include holidays and historically busy seasons of travel for TYS.


• Oversees the organization and scheduling procedures that ensure terminal efficiency during construction and irregular operation periods.


• Reviews aircraft parking plans as it relates to aircraft de-icing operations and overnight parking on the terminal ramp.


• Interprets and enforces policies, rules and regulations and lease agreements, as required.


• Monitors terminal safety and security to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations and airport/airport system rules. Manages operations, through appropriate supervision and staff. Trains staff on procedures.


• Oversees the inspection and monitoring of terminal and ramp locations, and reports deficiencies to the appropriate agencies.


• Executes duties within Snow and Ice Control Plan (SICP).


• Executes duties within Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP).


• Responds to emergency situations until relieved. Gives directions to air carriers, tenants, concessionaires, contractors, travelers, and others in order to obtain compliance.


• Implements fiscal policies and budgets.


• Serves as the point of contact for other operations groups.


• Provides customer service to airport users and may also coordinate after-hours maintenance and/or monitor emergency repairs to critical equipment.


• Performs related work as required.
  

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate should have project management, people leadership, and management skills, be effective with oral and written communication, have the ability to train others, analyze and solve problems, be operational and tactical in nature, have the ability to evaluate performance and resolve conflict, and experience in giving presentations.

On the technical side, he or she should have knowledge of Airport Operations including policies, requirements and materials, methods, and equipment used in the operation of air carrier and general aviation airports; Resource Management Systems (RMS); Airport Operations Database (AODB); Advisory Circulars and Orders; FAA airport regulations and grant assurances; Project management principles; Gate management software; Environmental and engineering regulations; Operation of airfield communication tools; Emergency operations; Finance and budgets; and Crowd control. Some prior experience in airport operations, terminal operations, facilities management, and/or quality assurance at an airport is preferred. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or airport operations, or equivalent.


• 5 or more years of related airport experience.


• Team lead or leadership experience preferred.
  
  

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid TN Driver’s License.


• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Operations certification preferred. Ability to achieve CM certification within two years in role.

Salary and Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $92,166.54 - $119,816.50 (DOE).  MKAA offers a very competitive benefit package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a)-retirement program.  

Deadline to Apply:  

For best consideration, apply by Sunday, July 27, 2025.  ***Position open until filled.

Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600 | Knoxville, TN 37901 | Attention: HR. Resumes/Applications must be received by the stated deadline, or postmarked by the deadline date, to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.

Applicants must submit ALL the following to be considered: Official Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Application or resume (Applicants submitting resumes must submit a completed signed copy of the MKAA application prior to being interviewed).

Selection Process:

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.  Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long-term basis.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority conducts random employee drug screening.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.