General Manager - Aviation

Overview

 

About Suffolk  

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self-perform construction, and technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds. 

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $9 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. 

At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That’s why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more.  For more information, click here. 

The Role

Suffolk is seeking an entrepreneurial, market-facing executive to lead and expand our Aviation business across the State of Florida. Reporting to executive leadership, the General Manager will be responsible for defining and executing the long-term strategy for one of the firm's most important growth sectors while serving as the face of Suffolk within Florida's aviation market. 

This leader will own the business, from market strategy and client development through project execution, financial performance, talent development, and operational excellence. The General Manager will build trusted relationships with airport authorities, airlines, aviation stakeholders, developers, design partners, and public agencies while partnering closely with Suffolk's regional leadership to deliver complex aviation projects safely, profitably, and with exceptional client satisfaction. 

This role is ideal for a proven construction executive who combines deep aviation market expertise with the ability to build high-performing teams, develop lasting client relationships, and drive sustainable business growth. 

Responsibilities

Market Leadership & Business Growth 

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for Suffolk's Aviation business throughout Florida. 

• Serve as Suffolk's primary aviation market leader and ambassador across the state. 

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with airport authorities, airlines, aviation consultants, government agencies, architects, engineers, and industry partners. 

• Identify emerging market opportunities and position Suffolk for long-term growth across: 

• Airport terminal development 

• Airside infrastructure 

• Landside facilities 

• Maintenance and support facilities 

• Cargo and logistics 

• Airport modernization and expansion programs 

• Develop and execute annual business plans, growth strategies, and market penetration initiatives. 

• Represent Suffolk at aviation conferences, industry organizations, and community events to strengthen brand awareness and market presence. 

Client Development & Work Acquisition 

• Lead strategic pursuit efforts for major aviation opportunities across Florida. 

• Build long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients. 

• Partner with Preconstruction and Operations to develop winning pursuit strategies. 

• Provide executive leadership throughout RFQs, RFPs, interviews, and negotiated pursuits. 

• Oversee pricing strategy, risk evaluation, fee structure, and contract negotiations. 

• Ensure exceptional client satisfaction through proactive engagement and executive-level relationship management. 

Operational Leadership 

• Provide executive oversight for all Aviation projects throughout Florida. 

• Ensure consistent execution aligned with Suffolk's standards for safety, quality, innovation, schedule, and financial performance. 

• Partner with Operations leadership to proactively manage project risk and resolve complex issues. 

• Drive collaboration across Estimating, Preconstruction, Operations, VDC, Safety, Quality, Legal, and Finance. 

• Champion innovation, technology adoption, and operational best practices throughout the Aviation portfolio. 

Financial & Business Management 

• Maintain full accountability for the Aviation business P&L. 

• Develop annual revenue, backlog, margin, and NOI forecasts. 

• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to maximize profitability. 

• Oversee: 

• Revenue forecasting 

• Cash flow management 

• Risk management 

• General & Administrative budgets 

• Contract approvals within delegated authority 

• Claims and legal coordination 

• Ensure disciplined project selection aligned with Suffolk's strategic objectives and risk profile. 

People Leadership 

• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional talent across the Aviation business. 

• Build a high-performing leadership team capable of supporting long-term growth. 

• Foster a culture centered on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 

• Lead succession planning and organizational development initiatives. 

• Coach and mentor future business leaders across Operations, Preconstruction, and Business Development. 

• Champion diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement. 

Executive Leadership 

• Collaborate with Regional and Enterprise leadership to align Aviation strategy with Suffolk's broader business objectives. 

• Drive cross-market collaboration and leverage national aviation resources and best practices. 

• Provide regular updates regarding market conditions, competitive intelligence, pipeline health, financial performance, and strategic initiatives. 

• Act as a visible leader both internally and externally, reinforcing Suffolk's culture, values, and commitment to excellence. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred. 

• 20+ years of progressive leadership experience within the construction industry. 

• Significant executive leadership experience managing complex aviation construction programs. 

• Demonstrated success leading large business units with full P&L responsibility. 

• Strong understanding of both public and private procurement within the aviation sector. 

• Proven ability to develop strategic client relationships that consistently generate new business opportunities. 

• Experience leading major design-build, CM-at-Risk, negotiated, and alternative delivery projects. 

• Deep knowledge of airport operational environments, stakeholder management, phasing, security requirements, and active campus construction. 

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing revenue, margin, forecasting, and operational performance. 

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing teams. 

Preferred Experience 

• Established relationships with Florida airport authorities and aviation stakeholders, including organizations such as Orlando International Airport (GOAA), Tampa International Airport, Jacksonville Aviation Authority, Broward County Aviation Department, Palm Beach International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, Pensacola International Airport, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and other regional airport authorities. 

• Experience delivering large-scale terminal expansions, airside infrastructure, concourses, central utility plants, parking structures, maintenance facilities, or airport modernization programs. 

• Existing relationships with aviation architects, engineers, program managers, and aviation-focused consultants. 

• Active involvement in aviation industry organizations. 

Leadership Attributes 

• The successful candidate will embody Suffolk's Core Values of Passion, Integrity, Hard Work, and Professionalism while demonstrating: 

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a builder's mentality. 

• Executive presence and exceptional communication skills. 

• Strong strategic thinking balanced with operational discipline. 

• Collaborative, relationship-first leadership style. 

• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment. 

• Ability to influence executive stakeholders across both public and private sectors. 

• Commitment to safety, innovation, quality, and client service. 

• Passion for developing people and building enduring teams. 

• Resilience, adaptability, and a growth-oriented mindset in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stands; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law.  This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk. 

Compensation Information

Where required by law, pay ranges can be found in Suffolk's job postings. Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk’s total rewards package for employees. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall total rewards strategy. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly to reflect market trends.