Purpose

The Aviation Operations Improvement Specialist is responsible for leading cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives across Citadel Aviation Group's FAA-certified MRO and aircraft completions operations. The position combines aviation operational knowledge, project management expertise, and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance operational performance, scalability, and organizational effectiveness. This role partners closely with leadership to identify operational inefficiencies, develop structured improvement programs, and drive measurable business outcomes aligned with the Company's strategic growth objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Apply knowledge of aviation operations, maintenance processes, and regulatory requirements to improvement efforts.
• Partner with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Administrative teams to identify process bottlenecks and operational improvement opportunities.
• Lead and execute Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives across maintenance, completions, and support functions.
• Develop project charters, scope documents, implementation plans, milestones, and executive reporting structures for assigned initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process mapping workshops, root cause analyses, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including labor efficiency, cycle time, quality performance, DIFOT, and operational throughput.
• Support optimization of ERP systems and business processes, including workflow design, automation, reporting enhancements, and process standardization.
• Collaborate with IT and Operations leadership to implement technology-enabled process improvements.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, project updates, business cases, and performance reports.
• Support integration and harmonization efforts across multiple facilities and business units.
• Assist with financial analysis, project ROI calculations, budget tracking, and business performance reporting.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, training materials, and process documentation.
• Lead change management efforts including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, training, and adoption support.
• Build strong working relationships with frontline personnel, department leaders, and executive stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining alignment with business priorities and deadlines.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, accountability, and performance management.

Minimum Qualifications or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in aviation MRO, airline operations, aerospace manufacturing, or related aviation environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean, Six Sigma, or structured continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience utilizing project management tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business reporting tools.
• Experience working with ERP systems and operational data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25% between company facilities.

Preferred Qualifications or Experience

• Direct experience partnering with Maintenance, Quality, or Engineering teams to rewrite and implement operational procedures.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license or formal aviation technical training.
• Experience within FAA Part 145 repair stations, aircraft completions, or VVIP aviation environments.
• Familiarity with FAA regulatory requirements, quality management systems (QMS), and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Experience supporting acquisitions, facility integrations, or multi-site operational transformations.
• Experience with Corridor ERP or similar aviation maintenance management systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but is expected to lead cross-functional project teams, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and influence organizational change across multiple departments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Attributes

• Strong project management and organizational leadership skills.
• Advanced problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Working knowledge of aviation maintenance, MRO operations, and regulatory environments.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Ability to translate operational challenges into structured improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive accountability across teams.
• Strong business acumen with understanding of operational and financial performance metrics.
• Adaptability and effectiveness in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to compliance and quality.

Travel

Travel up to 25% may be required between company facilities, project sites, vendor locations, and operational support activities.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice to support business needs.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and aircraft maintenance or production environments.
• Frequent interaction with executive leadership, operational teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Regular use of computers, ERP systems, business intelligence tools, and project management software.
• May require walking through hangars, production facilities, warehouses, and operational areas.
• Exposure to aircraft maintenance environments including noise, equipment, and varying temperatures.
• May require occasional extended hours to support project milestones, operational priorities, or business initiatives.

Must comply with company safety policies, FAA regulations, and applicable operational requirements.