Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for leading, planning, and managing a full-service aircraft detailing operation that supports private and corporate aviation customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This position oversees operations at a primary airport location while providing leadership and operational support to satellite airports within an assigned region.

The Senior Operations Manager is accountable for achieving safety, service quality, operational excellence, and financial performance objectives. This role requires a strategic leader with strong aviation industry knowledge, a commitment to safety, and the ability to build high-performing teams while fostering strong relationships with customers and aviation partners. The position works cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily aircraft detailing operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational strategies, policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency, productivity, and service quality.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, analyze trends, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure proper inventory management, equipment readiness, and facility maintenance.
• Lead workforce planning efforts, optimizing staffing levels and labor utilization to meet operational demands.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans while ensuring team preparedness for operational disruptions and incidents.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain frontline employees and supervisors.
• Manage employee performance through coaching, performance evaluations, corrective action, and recognition programs.
• Build and maintain a strong leadership pipeline through succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Promote and maintain a safety-first culture throughout all operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA, OSHA, TSA, airport authority, and company policies and procedures.
• Provide direct oversight of safety programs and implement corrective actions to mitigate operational risks, accidents, incidents, and injuries.
• Lead operational audits, quality assurance initiatives, and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure employee compliance with training requirements, personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, security protocols, airport badging requirements, driving authorizations, and applicable certifications.

Customer & Business Partner Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with customers and aviation industry partners, including Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), Maintenance Repair Organizations (MROs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and airport stakeholders.
• Ensure the delivery of premium service standards and exceptional customer experiences.
• Manage customer feedback and implement solutions to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Proactively address operational challenges and customer concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Support business development efforts and identify opportunities to expand services, partnerships, and market presence.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage operating budgets, financial reporting, cost controls, and revenue optimization initiatives.
• Monitor key financial and operational performance indicators to achieve or exceed organizational objectives.
• Review and approve timekeeping, payroll accuracy, and employee documentation in accordance with company policies.
• Provide regular operational and financial performance reports to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure effective resource allocation and operational support.

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay informed of aviation industry trends, regulatory changes, and operational best practices.
• Support organizational initiatives, special projects, and strategic growth efforts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in operations management, preferably within aviation or airport-related environments.
• Strong knowledge of FAA, OSHA, TSA, airport regulations, and operational compliance requirements.
• Experience managing budgets, operational performance metrics, and workforce planning.
• Excellent communication, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically within the assigned region.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, screenings, and airport badging requirements.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in aviation, airport operations, ground services, or related operational environments.
• Knowledge of airport safety, security, and compliance procedures.
• Current or recent Scissor Lift Certification.
• Experience managing multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Work in both office and outdoor airport environments.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work in confined spaces as necessary.
• Ability to work safely at elevated heights.
• Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, and standard office equipment.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and physical mobility to perform job duties safely and effectively.

Core Competencies

Leadership & Navigation

Provides clear direction, inspires teams, and aligns operational activities with organizational goals and objectives.

Ethical Practice

Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment in all business interactions.

Business Acumen

Understands financial, operational, and strategic drivers and effectively aligns resources to achieve business objectives.

Relationship Management

Builds collaborative relationships with employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders to achieve mutual success.

Consultation

Works effectively across departments and organizational levels to identify solutions and resolve complex operational challenges.

Critical Evaluation

Analyzes information, evaluates alternatives, and makes informed decisions that drive positive business outcomes.

Cultural Effectiveness

Promotes an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, collaboration, respect, and employee engagement.