Manager of Landside Operations

The Position

The Port of Portland is hiring a

Manager of Landside Operations!

The nation's top airport is seeking an exceptional leader to manage and evolve our Landside Operations. This high-impact role is responsible for the safe, efficient movement of passengers, employees, and goods across airport roadways, curbside areas, walkways, and traffic control systems-ensuring continuous public access while delivering a seamless, customer-focused experience.

As Manager of Landside Operations, you will lead critical teams, including parking enforcement, oversee Port-owned public infrastructure, and champion major capital projects that shape how millions of people experience PDX each year. This role calls for a steady, empathetic leader who can navigate demanding, public-facing operational realities while actively supporting and advocating for their teams. You will balance real-time operational demands with long-term planning, setting the standard for public safety, operational excellence, and service in one of the most complex transportation environments in the country.

Why This Matters
In this role, your leadership directly influences safety, mobility, and first impressions for Portland International Airport
-making your work essential to the success of the airport and the experience of every traveler who passes through.

Landside Operations, Safety & Access Management

• Manage all Port-owned public roadways, pedestrian pathways, and traffic control systems to ensure safe, continuous access to the airport.
• Monitor traffic trends and conditions, identify safety and operational risks, and serve as the subject-matter expert on landside access and public transportation issues.

• Lead and supervise the Parking Enforcement Agent (PEA) team, setting priorities, schedules, and policies to support safe and effective roadway and pedestrian operations.
• Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, including grievance management, labor-management collaboration, and participation in negotiations.

• Work closely with internal partners (Engineering, Planning, Maintenance, Police, Fire, Airport Operations, and others) to address roadway impacts, hazards, and access disruptions.
• Communicate with airport stakeholders during irregular operations, construction activity, or access-related events.

• Support multi-million-dollar capital projects related to airport access and represent operational needs in construction planning.
• Serve as approval authority for activities in terminal frontage and access areas, ensuring impacts are identified, managed, and clearly communicated.

• Manage the annual budget and overtime planning for Landside Operations.
• Manage the PDX Tow Program and represent the Port of Portland on the City of Portland's Tow Board.
• Rotate as delegate for senior leadership during irregular or emergency operations, making decisions and maintaining communication with airport leadership.

• At least three (3) years of experience in airport operations, transportation, or roadway systems:
• demonstrated experience managing represented employees in a dynamic, customer-focused environment
• working knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, and airport ordinances
• Or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Bachelor's Degree - Business, Airport Operations, or a related field. (Additional relevant experience may substitute for the education requirement.)

• Valid Driver's License.
• Successful clearance of a pre-employment background check (Red Badge).
• Certification from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced experience - Leadership, team development, and people management practices
• Advanced knowledge - Union contracts and labor relations related to managing represented employees
• Advanced experience - Airport emergency and irregular operations management
• Advanced knowledge - Regulation of public roadways and pedestrian pathways in an airport environment
• Intermediate experience - Budget development, administration, and fiscal analysis

Working Conditions:

This position requires an onsite presence most days, typically Monday-Friday, to support daily operations and frontline teams. Limited remote work may be available on an occasional basis, depending on business needs.

Selection Process: (tentative schedule):