Senior Planner

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J.A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman‑owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. We manage projects and recruit the best people in the industry, drawing clients from diverse backgrounds to build stronger teams.

This role is responsible for leading the planning, design, and delivery of innovative airport terminal projects. The Senior Planner will oversee all aspects of assigned projects or programs, including design development, implementation, stakeholder coordination, cost control, and quality assurance. The position will be the primary point of contact for projects and manage multiple projects concurrently.

• Ensure full application of the JWI Playbook across all project phases.
• Act as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team through the entire project process.
• Prepare high‑level planning and programming analysis work, including technical documents, testing plans, and proposals.
• Establish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles, reporting structures, and performance standards.
• Serve as a professional ambassador of JWI, fostering strong relationships with clients and strategic partners.
• Manage client/partner relationships and participate in industry networking events.
• Assist in the development of proposals and staff plans and strategize with leadership on opportunities for business development.
• Represent the company in project meetings, assemble and distribute meeting minutes, and maintain effective communication within the team and senior management.
• Produce weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and scheduling.
• Produce and review design plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Manage the design process, review design submissions, and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Investigate potential situations, implement corrective measures as necessary, and develop contingency plans to mitigate risk.
• Provide guidance, oversight, coaching, and mentoring to other project staff and assist with succession planning, team training, employee reviews, and talent acquisition.
• Lead and contribute to the planning and design of airport terminals and airline leased space from concept through construction.
• Develop space planning, programming, and layout strategies that optimize passenger flow, employee flow, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure design solutions align with client goals, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Stay current with aviation trends, technologies, and sustainability practices.
• Travel may be required depending on project specific needs or company business.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience, preferably in engineering, project or construction management; transportation, construction, or aviation industries preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced problem‑solving, interpersonal, and organization skills.
• Self‑sufficient with some oversight; capable of managing a team of direct reports and mentoring staff.
• Strong understanding of airport terminal operations, passenger experience, and aviation planning principles.
• Proficiency in design and planning software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch Up, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office.
• Knowledge of FAA, ICAO, and IATA guidelines; familiarity with BIM workflows and 3D visualization tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Travel may be required depending on project specific needs or company business.

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available.
• Group life, short and long‑term disability, and voluntary life options.
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Student debt repayment resources available.
• protection.
• Professional development and tuition assistance.
• Company‑sponsored social events.

$125,000 - $155,000

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.