Summary: The position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations within Willis Engine Repair Center. This role ensures strict adherence to FAA regulations / EASA and other relevant regulations, OEM standards, and company procedures while maintaining full accountability for the financial performance of the operation, including Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility. This position drives operational efficiency, fosters a strong safety culture, and provides leadership to achieve business objectives while delivering the highest standards of quality and customer service.
Responsibilities: - Foster a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
- Lead, mentor, and manage the maintenance and technical workforce, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians.
- Oversee operations of the maintenance department to ensure compliance with applicable government regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality systems.
- Develop and implement maintenance strategies to ensure on-time delivery of engines while maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality.
- Monitor and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for productivity.
- Oversee root cause analysis and corrective action for maintenance issues, audit findings, and customer concerns.
- Ensure effective management of maintenance, tooling, and calibration programs.
- Partner with leadership on workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance development.
- Develop and manage budgets, resource plans, and capital investment strategies to support department growth and customer commitments.
- Engage, negotiate, and maintain relationships with third party customers.
- Provide technical expertise to engine related projects worldwide.
Qualifications / Requirements: - Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance, Aeronautical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum 15 years of maintenance experience in commercial aviation, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
- Extensive knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station operations and regulatory compliance.
- Lean / Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement training.
- Familiarity with ERP and maintenance tracking systems (e.g., AvSight, Quantum, SAP, AMOS).
- Proven experience managing large-scale MRO operations, ideally specializing in engines.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage change in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Travel/Misc.: WLFC also offers a comprehensive benefit package to its eligible employees. This includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Roth 401(k), HSA in conjunction with a high deductible plan, life insurance, supplemental insurance, travel accident insurance, employee assistance program, short & long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, employee education reimbursement plan, matching gift program, health and wellness plan, and paid time off.
To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered WLFC property, and WLFC will not be obligated to a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to any WLFC employee, including Hiring Managers, without contacting WLFC Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.
