AUSTIN, TX, US
Denver, CO, US
Tampa, FL, US
Director of Operations – Aviation
Company: [Company]
Department: Operations
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
Status: Full-Time | Exempt
Travel: Up to 80% regional travel
Position Summary
[Company], a leading provider of aviation support services to major airlines and airports across the United States, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Operations to oversee multi-site aviation operations within an assigned region.
This leadership role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, financial performance, safety leadership, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement across multiple airport locations. The Director of Operations will oversee critical aviation services including aircraft interior cabin cleaning, exterior aircraft cleaning, security searching, cargo operations, catering security, and facility janitorial services.
This role requires a proven aviation operations leader with strong regulatory knowledge, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex airport environments while driving operational performance and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership and Strategic Execution
Provide executive-level leadership and operational oversight across multiple airport locations
Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with NAS service delivery standards and organizational objectives
Ensure consistent execution of operational procedures, service quality standards, and performance expectations
Drive operational efficiency, productivity improvements, and scalable operational models
Ensure operational readiness, staffing alignment, and service continuity
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Leadership
Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including FAA, TSA, CBP, DOT, OSHA, and airport authority regulations
Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all operational locations
Ensure completion of required employee training, certifications, and regulatory requirements
Lead incident investigations and corrective action plans in partnership with Safety and Human Resources
Leadership, Workforce Development, and Organizational Effectiveness
Lead, coach, and develop Regional Managers, Station Managers, and operational leadership teams
Partner with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing operational teams
Establish leadership accountability, performance standards, and succession planning
Drive employee engagement, retention, and leadership development initiatives
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
Client and Stakeholder Management
Serve as the primary senior operational liaison with airline customers, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies
Conduct regular operational reviews, site visits, and customer performance meetings
Address service issues, audit findings, and operational escalations promptly and effectively
Support contract retention, service expansion, and operational growth initiatives
Financial and Business Management
Oversee regional operational budgets, financial performance, and profit and loss accountability
Monitor labor utilization, staffing models, and operational cost controls
Partner with Finance to develop forecasts, budgets, and operational plans
Identify operational efficiencies and cost improvement opportunities
Support contract pricing, renewals, and operational planning
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
Monitor operational KPIs, service performance metrics, and audit results
Lead process improvement initiatives and operational optimization efforts
Ensure compliance with NAS operational, safety, and quality standards
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation services, airport operations, or related field
Demonstrated experience managing multi-site airport operations
Proven success leading large, diverse operational teams
Strong experience managing aviation regulatory compliance
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Expert knowledge of FAA, TSA, CBP, OSHA, and DOT regulations
Strong leadership, organizational, and operational management skills
Proven ability to manage complex, fast-paced aviation environments
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong financial acumen and operational budgeting experience
Ability to influence, lead, and drive operational performance
Work Environment and Requirements
Frequent travel required (70–80%) to airport locations within assigned region
Work in airport operational environments, including secure areas and aircraft ramp locations
Ability to obtain and maintain airport security clearance and SIDA badge
Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic aviation environments
Why Join [Company]?
National Aviation Services is a recognized leader in aviation support services, partnering with major airlines across the United States. NAS is committed to operational excellence, safety leadership, and delivering superior service to our airline partners.
Joining NAS provides the opportunity to:
Lead large-scale aviation operations across multiple airports
Influence operational strategy and organizational performance
Work alongside experienced aviation and executive leadership teams
Contribute to a growing, industry-leading aviation services organization
Advance your career in executive aviation operations leadership