DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Job Description
Position Title
Director of Operations (DO)
Department
Flight Operations
Reports To
Flight Department Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Travel Required
Moderate – occasional travel for audits, training, and industry events
Regulatory Basis
14 CFR Part 135 – Air Carrier & Operator Certification
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Operations (DO) serves as the cornerstone of our Part 135 air carrier operation, holding the highest level of operational authority and accountability over all aspects of flight department performance. This individual is directly responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient conduct of all air transportation activities, acting as the primary interface with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the designated management representative for operational control.
We are seeking a driven, highly organized aviation professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate excels at managing multiple competing priorities simultaneously, demonstrates exceptional time management skills, and leads by example, inspiring schedulers and pilots to operate at the highest levels of safety and professionalism.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Regulatory Compliance & FAA Liaison
Serve as the FAA-approved Director of Operations in accordance with 14 CFR §135.37, maintaining direct accountability for all operational specifications (OpSpecs)
Ensure continuous compliance with all applicable FARs, TSA security programs, OSHA regulations, and company policies
Act as the primary point of contact for FAA FSDO during inspections, audits, and certificate actions
Maintain and update the General Operations Manual (GOM), Flight Operations Manual (FOM), and all associated operational documentation
Oversee OpSpec amendments and coordinate with the FAA for timely approval of operational changes
Flight Operations Management
Exercise direct operational control over all Part 135 flight operations, including charter, on-demand, and supplemental services
Oversee crew scheduling to ensure compliance with FAR Part 135 duty time limitations, rest requirements, and currency standards
Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) to ensure airworthiness of the fleet and MEL compliance prior to dispatch
Manage trip planning standards, weather minimums, and NOTAM review processes
Leadership & Staff Development
Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of pilots and schedulers
Conduct regular performance reviews, one-on-one coaching sessions, and team meetings to drive accountability and morale
Foster a culture of safety, open communication, and continuous improvement across all operational staff
Collaborate with the Chief Pilot to ensure all crewmembers meet qualification and recurrent training requirements
Recruit, hire, and onboard new flight crew and operations personnel in alignment with company growth objectives
Operational Excellence & Strategic Planning
Develop, implement, and continuously refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize efficiency and safety margins
Manage and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including on-time performance, trip completion rates, and customer satisfaction
Lead operational contingency planning for irregular operations (IROPs), weather disruptions, and aircraft AOG situations
Coordinate with client services, and charter sales teams to ensure operational feasibility of bookings
Oversee fleet utilization planning to maximize revenue-generating flight hours while maintaining crew rest compliance
Safety Management & Risk Mitigation
Champion and administer the company's Safety Management System (SMS), including hazard identification, risk assessment, and corrective action tracking
Investigate and document all incidents, accidents, and safety occurrences; report to the FAA as required under ASAP and voluntary disclosure programs
Conduct and participate in Safety Review Board (SRB) meetings and ensure action items are resolved in a timely manner
Oversee emergency response procedures and ensure all personnel are trained on emergency protocols
Financial & Vendor Oversight
Develop and manage the flight operations budget, including crew training costs, contract services, and operational expenditures
Negotiate and manage contracts with FBOs and fuel providers
Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety standards or service quality
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) – required at time of hire
Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate (or ability to obtain)
Minimum 3 years of progressive aviation management or supervisory experience in a Part 135 or Part 121 environment
Demonstrated experience as a Director of Operations, Assistant DO, Chief Pilot, or equivalent leadership role
In-depth knowledge of 14 CFR Parts 91, 135 and applicable FARs governing air carrier operations
Proven track record of managing multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
Exceptional time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively under pressure
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience interfacing with the FAA
Proficiency with flight scheduling software, crew management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience managing a multi-aircraft fleet in a charter or on-demand operation
Formal SMS training or IS-BAO / ARGUS Platinum certification experience
Type ratings in commonly operated aircraft (e.g., King Air, Lear, Challenger)
Experience with WYVERN or ARG/US auditing processes
Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management preferred but not required
Familiarity with CAMP or similar maintenance tracking software
Experience scaling operations through growth phases, including fleet expansion and staffing ramp-up
COMPETENCY PROFILE — WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Beyond credentials, we are looking for a candidate who embodies the following core competencies:
Drive & Initiative: Self-motivated leader who identifies problems proactively and implements solutions without waiting to be directed
Multi-Tasking Under Pressure: Ability to manage simultaneous operational demands, from crew scheduling to FAA correspondence and executive communications without losing attention to detail
Time Management Mastery: Skilled at prioritizing a fluid, ever-changing workload; consistently meets regulatory deadlines and client commitments
Decisive Decision-Making: Confident in making time-sensitive operational decisions while balancing safety, compliance, and business impact
Team Builder: Creates an environment of mutual respect and accountability; coaches and develops talent at all levels
Composure Under Pressure: Maintains calm, clear-headed leadership during IROPs, weather events, and high-stress operational scenarios
Integrity & Transparency: Operates with the highest ethical standards; communicates openly with leadership, FAA, and staff
WORKING CONDITIONS & SCHEDULE
This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. The Director of Operations must be reachable and available during irregular operational hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational demands require. The role demands physical presence at the primary operations base the majority of the time, with occasional travel for training, FSDO meetings, audits, and industry conferences.
This position is subject to FAA background checks and pre-employment drug screening per DOT/FAA regulations.
AUTHORITY & REPORTING STRUCTURE
The Director of Operations reports directly to the Flight Department Manager and holds co-equal authority with the Director of Maintenance on matters pertaining to operational safety. The DO has the authority to ground aircraft, suspend crew, delay or cancel flights, and take any other action necessary to ensure the safety of flight operations