J.A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.

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. This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to create efficient, passenger-focused terminal environments. The Senior Planner shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking full ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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
• Responsible for high level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals
• Establish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles, reporting structures, and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specifications
• Serve as a positive and professional ambassador of JWI, fostering strong relationships with clients and strategic partners
• Manage client/partner relationships
• Participate in industry networking events and organizations
• Introduce business strategies and pursuits  
• Assist in the development of proposals and staff plans
• Strategize with leadership on opportunities for business development with existing and new clients
• Represent company in project meetings and attend strategy meetings
• Assemble and distribute meeting minutes
• Ensure effective communication is always maintained within the team structure and Senior Management
• Complete weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and scheduling
• Produce project schedule; coordinate schedule updates and distribute internally and externally
• Manage all financial aspects of project contract(s), including labor, expenses, reviewing invoicing, and staffing projections to protect company’s interest
• Foster and maintain a positive working relationship with clients
• Create and oversee project budgets, manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Responsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
• Produce and review design plans, specifications, and cost estimates
• Responsible for interviewing, recommending, and negotiating contractual service agreements. Prepare, negotiate, and authorize revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors
• Manage the design process, review design submissions, and ensure compliance with project requirements
• Schedule and facilitate project meetings
• Investigate potential situations and implement corrective measures as necessary; develop contingency plans to mitigate potential risk
• Provide guidance, oversight, coaching, and mentoring to other project staff
• Assist with succession planning, team training, employee reviews and development, talent acquisition (including interviews) and support the Human Resources function for department
• Ensure the timely submission, review and approval of timesheets and expense report
• 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
• Prepare and present design reports, drawings, and presentations to clients and stakeholders
• Conduct site visits, feasibility studies, and capacity analyses
• Stay current with aviation trends, technologies, and sustainability practices
• Perform other duties as may be required/directed

• 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. Professional experience in architecture or interior design, with at least 3 years focused on aviation or transportation projects.
• Excellent and timely oral and written communication skills. Proficient and electronic communication (email, chat, etc.)
• Excellent problem-solving skills 
• Advanced interpersonal and personal organization skills
• Self-sufficient with some oversight; oversight from supervisor on employee/business decisions
• Advanced personal/project administrative skills
• Introductory to leadership, managing a team of direct reports, mentor, and problem solver with a commitment to excellence  
• Advanced multitasking skills, should be able to manage multiple projects or multiple portions of a large program
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of contract management and budgeting/estimating  
• Ability to work with diverse personalities to negotiate and resolve conflict
• Entry-level leadership and influencing skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships across the organization
• Strong understanding of airport terminal operations, passenger experience, and aviation planning principles
• Proficiency in design and planning software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office
• Knowledge of FAA, ICAO, and IATA guidelines
• Familiarity with BIM workflows and 3D visualization tools
• Travel may be required depending on project specific needs or company business  

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided 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 
• ID Theft protection
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Company-sponsored social events

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. 

PM18