Purpose of the Job

The Technical Director is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the redevelopment, construction, operational readiness, and transition into operations of the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) under SkyCity’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) concession.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Technical Director provides strategic leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from development and design through construction, commissioning, operational readiness, and long-term asset management. The role is responsible for ensuring technical delivery aligns with corporate objectives, contractual commitments, regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and financial objectives.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain broad and deep exposure across all facets of airport development and operations, including commercial airline relationships, federal agency coordination (TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection), environmental permitting, infrastructure development, operations and maintenance, financing, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, insurance, and community relations.

The first six to nine months of the role will focus on structuring, negotiating, and implementing key technical contracts, governance frameworks, and delivery processes required during the development phase. The subsequent construction period, anticipated to extend approximately four years, will focus on execution and oversight of design, construction, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities while maintaining uninterrupted airport operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to corporate strategy, business planning, and organizational decision-making.
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership to support the successful execution of SkyCity’s airport redevelopment program.
• Ensure alignment between technical development activities, commercial objectives, operational requirements, legal obligations, and financial goals.
• Support the CEO and Board with technical insights, performance reporting, and strategic recommendations.

Project Development and Delivery

• Lead all technical aspects of airport redevelopment projects from planning through operational handover.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project execution plans, including scope, schedules, budgets, resource plans, and performance metrics.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams of consultants, designers, contractors, and technical advisors.
• Establish and maintain project governance structures, decision-making frameworks, and reporting protocols.
• Ensure adherence to project objectives, contractual requirements, and stakeholder expectations throughout project execution.

Design and Construction Management

• Provide oversight of design development activities to ensure compliance with program requirements, operational needs, regulatory standards, and concession obligations.
• Lead coordination between airport operations, consultants, contractors, and government agencies throughout the design and construction process.
• Oversee construction activities to ensure project delivery meets quality, safety, schedule, budget, and operational requirements.
• Monitor testing, commissioning, and certification activities to verify systems and facilities meet operational and regulatory standards.
• Ensure completion and turnover of all as-built documentation, technical records, warranties, and maintenance information.

Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT)

• Lead planning and execution of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programs for both airport redevelopment projects.
• Coordinate all operational transition activities to support the seamless migration from existing facilities to newly developed infrastructure.
• Ensure operational stakeholders are adequately prepared through training, testing, familiarization, and readiness exercises.
• Collaborate with airline partners, airport operators, and government agencies to ensure successful operational activation.

Contract and Consultant Management

• Lead procurement, evaluation, negotiation, and administration of technical consultant agreements.
• Oversee consultant performance, contractual compliance, and delivery of professional services.
• Support the administration of concession agreements, design-build contracts, operations and maintenance agreements, commercial agreements, and supplier contracts.
• Participate in contractor selection processes and negotiations related to project delivery.

Risk Management and Governance

• Identify and assess project risks related to budget, schedule, operations, construction, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder impacts.
• Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address identified risks.
• Provide regular project status updates, risk reports, and executive summaries to senior leadership, investors, and governance committees.
• Support the establishment of enterprise risk management practices for project delivery.

Financial and Performance Management

• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, forecasts, and cost controls.
• Analyze variances and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure project financial performance aligns with approved business plans and investment objectives.
• Develop executive dashboards, performance reports, and technical presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Establish project-wide quality assurance and quality control standards.
• Implement systems and processes that promote efficient project delivery and continuous improvement.
• Lead resolution of technical issues, disputes, and project challenges.
• Drive adoption of best practices, innovation, and lessons learned across project activities.

Supervisory Responsibility 

• Leads, coaches, and manages the Technical Department, including the Senior Technical Manager, Technical Manager, Technical Coordinators, and Technical Coordinator/Phasing Scheduler.
• Oversees staff performance, development, resource allocation, and work assignments to support project objectives.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance with company standards and project requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Aviation Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressive experience leading large-scale airport, transportation, or civil infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing airport redevelopment, expansion, or greenfield aviation projects.
• Significant experience overseeing design, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
• Experience working within Public-Private Partnership (P3) environments preferred.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and contractors.
• Proven track record of delivering complex capital projects on time and within budget.
• Strong executive leadership and organizational management capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial, contractual, and business acumen.
• Advanced analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of airport operations, aviation regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a highly complex environment.
• Expertise in project governance, risk management, and performance monitoring.
• Proficiency with project management systems and reporting tools.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CCM, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Extent of Public Contact 

Serve as the primary technical liaison with:

• Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Leadership and Staff
• Regulatory Agencies (U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA))
• Airlines and Aviation Stakeholders
• TSI, Aecon Group Inc., Avports, and J. Benton Construction leadership and teams
• Government Agencies and Authorities having jurisdiction
• Community and Industry Stakeholders

Working Conditions & Environment  

• Based in the U.S. Virgin Islands or willing to relocate.
• Frequent travel between project sites, stakeholder meetings, and industry events.
• Office, construction site, and airport operational environments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-profile infrastructure project environment.