Sr. Manager, Employee Relations & Compliance

The Company

Founded in 1927 as a division of Pan American World Airways, Avports is an experienced and trusted airport manager and operator. Today, the company operates with over 650 staff (of which approximately 300 are unionized) at 14+ airports across the US and the Caribbean, with that number slated to grow to 800 during the next year with the addition of new airport projects.

In addition, Avports is now acting as the leaseholder and operator of public‑private partnership (P3) projects at Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut and the Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) in Virginia.

Avports has historically managed and operated a portfolio of airport operations and maintenance (O&M) and public‑private partnership (P3/PPP) contracts at more than 30 US airports. These airports have diverse operations, encompassing commercial and general aviation airports, passenger terminals, joint‑use airports, heliports, NASA facilities, and spaceports. The company is working to integrate electric aviation, hydrogen fuel cells, and zero‑emission decarbonization concepts in existing airport environments.

Subject matter expert leading and administering employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, and workforce compliance programs across a complex, safety‑sensitive organization. Exercise significant independent judgment and authority in managing investigations, disciplinary actions, grievance processes, and regulatory compliance matters, while serving as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees. Design and oversee centralized programs, including a confidential employee relations reporting hotline, to ensure consistent, equitable, and compliant outcomes.

Minimum high school diploma/equivalent, with at least seven (7) years of progressive experience overseeing high‑volume, high‑profile employee relations, investigations, and compliance programs in a unionized, regulated environment. Deep expertise in employee relations, labor agreements, workplace investigations, compliance programs, and intermediate proficiency with HRIS, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Position is exempt, and regular, full‑time reporting to the Vice President Human Resources. Primary work is on‑site and based in Northern Virginia (Dulles/Herndon). Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, meet corporate and airport access requirements, and be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally approximately 20%, including occasional overnight travel, based on business needs.

• Administer employee relations programs, including grievance resolution, corrective action, and disciplinary processes.
• Design, implement, and manage a centralized employee relations reporting hotline, ensuring confidential intake, triage, documentation, escalation, and resolution tracking.
• Lead and oversee investigations related to employee misconduct, policy violations, ethics concerns, and workplace complaints.
• Act as a SME, delivering guidance to managers and employees on performance management, conduct issues, and application of employee relations standards, policies, and guidelines. Consult with senior management and legal counsel as appropriate.
• Oversee disciplinary actions to ensure consistent, equitable, and policy‑aligned outcomes across the organization.
• Design, plan, and administer training programs for managers and employees, including policy education, standards, compliance requirements, and available resources.
• Support union grievance administration and labor relations activities in collaboration with site leadership, administrators, and labor representatives.
• Ensure contractual and policy compliance in grievance handling, documentation, and resolution processes.

• Oversee background screening programs, including criminal history and credit checks, ensuring compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Serve as a corporate liaison for airport access and security credentialing, monitoring compliance and resolving access‑related issues.
• Monitor and enforce drug and alcohol…