Senior Manager, Base Operations

Overview

The Senior Manager, Base Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Flight Operations Base Managers (FOBMs) across the network. This role is responsible for establishing consistency, accountability, and standardization in pilot-facing administrative programs, personnel management practices, and base-level support functions. The Senior Manager serves as the primary leader, coach, and advocate for the Base Manager organization, ensuring alignment with company objectives while supporting a positive and engaged pilot workforce.

 

This position partners closely with Chief Pilots, Assistant Chief Pilots, Human Resources, Crew Services, Training, Inflight, and other operational departments to ensure consistent execution of policies, administrative processes, and employee support programs across all pilot bases.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Oversight

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development for all Flight Operations Base Managers.
• Establish consistent expectations, accountability measures, and standard work across all pilot bases.
• Conduct performance evaluations, development planning, succession planning, and ongoing coaching for Base Managers.
• Lead recruiting, selection, onboarding, and development efforts for Base Manager positions.
• Build leadership capabilities within the Base Manager team.

Administrative Standardization & Employee Support

• Establish and maintain standardized administrative processes and pilot support practices across all bases.
• Ensure consistent administration of attendance management, dependability programs, leave administration, and personnel-related processes.
• Establish pilot engagement standards and monitor engagement trends across all bases to ensure consistent support and employee experience.
• Ensure uniform execution of company policies, procedures, and leadership expectations throughout the network.

Performance Management & Operational Effectiveness

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to administrative effectiveness, employee engagement, attendance, dependability, and pilot support.
• Analyze trends across bases and implement corrective actions and process improvements as necessary.
• Establish measurable goals and performance standards for Base Managers and their teams.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to improve organizational effectiveness and resource allocation.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner closely with Chief Pilots (CPs) and Assistant Chief Pilots (ACPs) to ensure coordinated support of base operations while maintaining clear separation of operational and administrative responsibilities.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure compliance with employment policies, investigations, employee relations matters, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Partner with Inflight leadership and other operational departments to promote consistency in administrative practices and employee support programs.
• Coordinate with Training, Crew Services, Safety, SOC, and other departments to ensure alignment on organizational priorities and operational objectives.
• Represent the Base Manager organization in cross-functional initiatives, leadership meetings, and strategic planning efforts.

Compliance, Employee Relations & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with administrative processes, company policies, labor agreements, and pilot support programs while partnering with Chief Pilots on regulatory matters impacting pilots.
• Establish standards and provide oversight, consultation, and consistency reviews for employee relations investigations and corrective action processes conducted by Base Managers.
• Provide oversight and standardization of pilot compliance tracking programs such as pilot qualifications, medical certifications, and other required compliance records to ensure consistent execution across all bases.
• Identify organizational risks and implement solutions to improve compliance, consistency, and employee experience.

Strategic Planning & Resource Management

• Develop staffing models and workforce plans for the Base Managers and administrative support organization.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources to maximize organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, tools, and processes supporting pilot administration and employee engagement.
• Translate Flight Operations strategic objectives into actionable initiatives across all pilot bases.

 

Other Duties

As Assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, leadership, coaching, and development to all Flight Operations Base Managers.
• Provide indirect supervision, direction, and mentorship to the Assistant Base Managers and base-level administrative support personnel.
• Responsible for performance management, talent development, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness within the Base Manager structure.

Competencies Required

• Ethics and Values - Serves as a champion to employees and projects that are beneficial to the company. Displays courage and willingness to take an unpopular stance to make positive long-term progress for individuals and the organization.
• Knows Our Business - Looks for ways to improve our success operationally and through people. Understands how all aspects of the business operate in a systemic way. Technically and professionally skilled to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.
• Builds Trust and Decision Making - Models honesty and open communications in large group meetings. Responds to challenge in a positive way – sees as an opportunity to learn new perspectives and perhaps improve the organization.
• Drive for Results by Inspiring Others - Builds passion and enthusiasm for the organization’s mission. Identifies measurements that will drive long term positive results, and shares the rationale, thus engaging the organization.
• Know Your Team and Leading People - Inspires organization to build effective work relationships that are based on strengths and focused on achieving organizational goals, understanding and utilizing each team member’s interests and development goals. As a leader, proactively sees opportunities for talented and diverse staff to work with upper leadership to promote development and results.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of people leadership experience managing leaders and/or multi-site teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, standardization initiatives, and process improvements.
• Strong knowledge of airline operations and FAA regulatory requirements.
• Experience working within a unionized environment and applying collective bargaining agreements.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across multiple departments and organizational levels.
• Excellent communication, presentation, conflict-resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in an airline operational leadership role.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience in workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational development initiatives.
• Knowledge of pilot administration, qualification tracking, and regulatory compliance programs.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Position is based at Endeavor Air Headquarters in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
• Travel up to 50% is required. This role has oversight of Base Managers in MSP, LGA, JFK, ATL, and DTW and will require regular travel to these bases with periodic visits to the bases in RDU and CVG.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate.
• Minimal physical exertion including pulling, pushing, reaching, bending, standing, walking, and light lifting of boxes, files, and electronic equipment not exceeding 30 lbs.
• Computer work in a typical office environment with extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand movements.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment with changing priorities and time-sensitive business needs.

What We Offer

Providing world-class service to our customers starts with providing world-class benefits to our employees. Endeavor Air employees receive a competitive total compensation package which includes a variety of benefits to choose from and some of the best perks around.

• Free or reduced-rate travel privileges on Delta Air Lines and 80+ air carriers worldwide for employees and eligible family members
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 401(k) with Company Match starting on Day 1
• Operational Performance Rewards (OPR) Program
• Life and AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and voluntary supplementary benefit options

FLSA StatusSalary Minimum Position Pay RangeUSD $95,100.00/Yr. Maximum Position Pay RangeUSD $116,000.00/Yr.