Director of Operations (Aviation)

Director of Operations (Aviation)

SpiritJets - Chesterfield, MO

Salary up to $250,000 a year

Director of Operations

Part 135 Charter & Aircraft Management Company

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operational control, leadership, and regulatory compliance of all flight operations conducted under the Company’s FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. This position oversees daily flight operations and ensures all operational activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Operations Specifications, company policies, and industry best practices.

This is a full-time, in-office, non-flying leadership position.

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership to flight operations personnel and works collaboratively across departments to support the Company’s charter operations, aircraft management services, safety culture, customer service standards, and operational growth objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Maintains operational control and oversight of all company flight operations conducted under FAR 135 and FAR 91.

· Ensures all flight operations are conducted safely and in compliance with:

o Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)

o Company General Operations Manual (GOM)

o Operations Specifications (OpSpecs)

o TSA security requirements

o International operating requirements including ICAO, EASA, and other applicable regulatory authorities.

· Supervises and provides leadership to the Chief Pilot, flight crews, and the flight control department.

· Develops, implements, and maintains operational standards, procedures, policies, and best practices.

· Oversees pilot staffing, including recruitment, interviewing, hiring, training coordination, performance management, promotions, upgrades, disciplinary actions, and terminations.

· Serves as the primary operational liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

· Maintains authority to act on behalf of the certificate holder, including execution of FAA correspondence and operational documentation.

· Oversees revisions and updates to operational manuals, policies, and procedures; coordinates FAA review and approval processes as required.

· Ensures flight crews remain current and compliant with:

o Training requirements

o Qualification standards

o Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program requirements

o Company operational policies and procedures.

· Monitors operational performance, scheduling coordination, regulatory compliance, and risk management initiatives.

· Coordinates operational response and communication involving safety events, hazardous materials incidents, irregular operations, and emergency situations.

· Serves as the Aircraft Operator Security Coordinator (AOSC) in accordance with TSA requirements.

· Promotes and supports the Company Safety Management System (SMS) and a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

· Works closely with Maintenance, Scheduling, Safety, and Executive Leadership to ensure operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

· Participates in strategic planning, operational budgeting, fleet growth planning, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

· Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

· Must meet all qualifications required under 14 CFR Part 119 for Director of Operations.

· Must hold a current Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.

· Must possess:

• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience within the past six (6) years in a position exercising operational control over operations conducted under Part 121 or Part 135;
• OR
• Previous experience as a Director of Operations with at least three (3) years as Pilot in Command in Part 121 or Part 135 operations
• Strong working knowledge of:
• FAA regulations and Part 135 operations
• Flight operations management
• Operational control systems
• Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• International flight operations and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other operational software systems
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively lead teams and interact with regulatory agencies, employees, aircraft owners, and clients.
• Preferred Qualifications·
• Previous experience managing multi-aircraft Part 135 operations.
• Experience with aircraft management and charter operations.·
• Experience with ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, or similar audit/compliance programs
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Work Environment

This position will be available to support a 24/7 flight operation, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call operational support as necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package offered, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Pay: Up to $250,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person