Lead - Operational Capex

About the role

Responsibilities

Operational Project Planning & Delivery

• Lead planning and execution of projects within operational airport facilities including terminals, airside infrastructure, utilities, cargo facilities, landside infrastructure, and passenger processing areas.
• Develop project execution methodologies suitable for live airport environments.
• Establish phased construction strategies to minimize impact on airport operations.
• Ensure project milestones are achieved within approved timelines and budgets.
• Monitor project performance through defined KPIs and governance frameworks.

Operational Integration & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the single-point coordination lead between project teams and airport operations.
• Coordinate with Airport Operations, Airside Operations, Security, Terminal Operations, Commercial, IT, Maintenance, and Safety teams.
• Facilitate stakeholder approvals for construction activities in operational areas.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with airlines, ground handlers, concessionaires, and service providers.
• Manage interfaces between ongoing operations and project execution activities.

Safety, Security & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all project activities comply with airport safety and security protocols.
• Coordinate work permits, access control requirements, airside permits, and operational clearances.
• Ensure compliance with DGCA, BCAS, AAI, ICAO, local statutory requirements, and airport operating procedures.
• Conduct operational risk assessments before commencement of project activities.
• Monitor implementation of approved safety mitigation measures.

Project Controls & Governance

• Establish project controls for scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality management.
• Review project progress and implement corrective actions where required.
• Monitor CAPEX expenditure and cash flow forecasts.
• Provide periodic management reports and executive dashboards.
• Ensure compliance with project governance and approval frameworks.

Construction Management in Operational Environment

• Oversee execution of construction activities during operational hours, night closures, shutdowns, and restricted access windows.
• Coordinate temporary diversions, passenger routing, utility shutdowns, and operational contingency plans.
• Ensure minimal operational disruption during project implementation.
• Resolve site constraints and operational conflicts proactively.
• Monitor contractor performance and adherence to operational requirements.

Risk Management

• Identify operational, construction, safety, and business continuity risks.
• Develop risk mitigation and contingency strategies.
• Maintain project risk registers and monitor closure of key risks.
• Escalate critical operational risks to airport leadership in a timely manner.
• Support emergency response planning related to project activities.

Operational Readiness & Transition Management

• Lead testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
• Coordinate stakeholder inspections, approvals, and acceptance processes.
• Ensure smooth transition of completed facilities into airport operations.
• Develop handover and asset transfer plans.
• Monitor post-commissioning performance and defect closure.

Asset Enhancement & Modernization

• Drive terminal upgrades, passenger experience improvements, utility upgrades, and operational efficiency projects.
• Support implementation of smart airport technologies and digital transformation initiatives.
• Promote innovation and best practices in airport infrastructure development.
• Ensure alignment with airport expansion and capacity enhancement programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Master's Degree in Project Management, Infrastructure Management, MBA, or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 15 to 18 years of experience in infrastructure project delivery.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing projects in operational airports, metro systems, transportation hubs, healthcare facilities, data centres, or other live operational environments.
• Proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders during project execution.

Leadership Capabilities

• Operational Excellence.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Stakeholder Influence & Collaboration.
• Decision Making Under Operational Constraints.
• Risk-Based Project Management.
• Conflict Resolution.
• Crisis & Contingency Management.
• Commercial Awareness.
• Change Leadership.
• Cross-Functional Coordination.