Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides executive leadership for the operational performance, growth, and profitability of Regional One. Reporting directly to the President, the COO is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, financial goals, regulatory requirements, and customer commitments while driving operational excellence and sustainable growth.
The COO oversees Regional One's core business activities, including aircraft and engine leasing and trading, component sales, asset management, supply chain, repair management, quality assurance, and customer support. Working closely with the executive leadership team, the COO develops and executes strategies that enhance efficiency, improve margins, strengthen organizational capabilities, and support long-term business success.
A key focus of this role is the continued development and expansion of Regional One's engine portfolio and related product lines. Acting as a strategic advisor to the engine division, the COO will provide leadership in partnership with the President to drive growth and capitalize on market opportunities. The COO will also collaborate closely with the Chief Technology Officer to support the development and advancement of Regional One's proprietary NAVA platform, leveraging technology to improve business performance and competitive advantage.
Specific Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the President to develop and execute the company's short-term and long-term process development, quality policy and operative footprint.
- Translate corporate objectives into actionable operational initiatives and measurable performance targets.
- Lead organizational growth initiatives, acquisitions, expansions, and new business opportunities.
- Provide leadership and direction to senior management to ensure alignment with corporate goals and priorities.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Partner in the development of NAVA and related systems (greentime).
Operational Management
- Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of Regional One's operations (facilities, quality departments etc.)
- Ensure operational activities are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with company policies and applicable aviation regulations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies, procedures, and performance standards.
- Continuously evaluate operational processes and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, customer service, and profitability.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to drive performance improvements.
Financial Management
- Lead the achievement of monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue, profitability, and operating expense goals.
- Develop and manage operating budgets that support strategic and financial objectives.
- Ensure effective resource allocation and cost control across all departments.
- Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed to achieve corporate targets.
- Collaborate with Finance leadership to develop forecasts, business plans, and capital expenditure strategies.
Commercial Growth
- Partner with Sales and Commercial leaders to drive revenue growth and expand market opportunities.
- Support aircraft, engine, and component leasing and sales initiatives.
- Foster strong relationships with customers, suppliers, OEMs, MRO providers, and industry partners.
- Identify emerging market trends and opportunities that support sustainable business growth.
Leadership and Talent Development
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to senior management and department leaders.
- Establish departmental performance goals and accountability measures.
- Participate in workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
- Promote employee engagement and a high-performance culture throughout the organization.
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all applicable aviation, regulatory, legal, safety, and quality standards.
- Promote operational risk management and business continuity planning.
- Support quality assurance initiatives and adherence to FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Participate in the development and implementation of company policies and governance practices.
Executive Responsibilities
- Provide regular operational and financial updates to the President and Board of Directors.
- Evaluate organizational performance and recommend strategic improvements.
- Represent the company with customers, business partners, industry organizations, and external stakeholders as needed.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the President.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Finance, Engineering, or a related field required.
- Master's degree (MBA or related advanced degree) preferred.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation, aerospace, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, or a related industry.
- Minimum of 10 years of executive-level management experience overseeing multiple business functions.
- Proven track record of driving operational excellence, revenue growth, and profitability.
- Experience leading complex organizations with significant operational and financial responsibilities.
- Experience in aircraft leasing, aviation asset management, aftermarket services, aviation supply chain, or commercial aviation operations preferred.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and P&L responsibility.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic business plans.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to lead organizational change and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Working knowledge of aviation industry regulations, quality standards, and operational requirements.
- Strong negotiating and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
- Ability to perform work in both office and aviation operational environments when necessary.
Success Measures
The COO's performance will be measured by:
- Achievement of annual revenue and profitability targets.
- Operational efficiency and productivity improvements.
- Budget and expense management.
- Customer satisfaction and retention.
- Successful execution of strategic initiatives.
- Employee engagement and leadership development outcomes.
- Regulatory compliance and risk management effectiveness.
- Achievement of corporate growth and business development objectives.