Vice President, Operations

Position SummaryThe Vice President, System Operations is responsible for leading the safe, reliable, and efficient execution of JetBlue’s daily operation while shaping the future state of the System Operations Control (SOC) environment. This role oversees System Operations, Dispatch, Air Traffic Management, Crew Operations, and Crew Planning, and holds end-to-end accountability for operational performance across the network.This leader is responsible not only for day-of-operations execution, but also for advancing the SOC into a predictive, data-driven, and highly integrated operation. The Vice President will leverage advanced analytics, data science, and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, improve disruption recovery, and increase schedule reliability.A critical component of the role is deep partnership with Enterprise Planning and Network Planning to ensure the schedule is operationally viable, resources are aligned, and execution constraints are reflected upstream. This position serves as a key connector between planning and execution, ensuring a closed-loop system that continuously improves operational outcomes.The Vice President is a senior operational leader who thrives in a high-intensity environment, drives disciplined execution, and builds high-performing teams. This role requires strong cross-functional leadership, sound judgment under pressure, and a relentless focus on safety, consistency, and continuous improvement.Essential ResponsibilitiesLead the Air Traffic Management function, ensuring effective integration with System Operations and strong collaboration with the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization to optimize system flow and mitigate constraintsOwn end-to-end operational performance, including safety, completion factor, on-time performance, and recovery effectivenessHold delegated responsibility for the airline’s operational control system, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of Flight Control, System Control, and Network Control within the SOCEnsure a safe, compliant, and effective operating environment, including clear decision rights, escalation paths, and strong operational control interfaces across all stakeholdersLead enterprise response during irregular operations and disruptions, ensuring sound, timely decision-making and system stabilityDrive the adoption of data science, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to enable predictive and prescriptive operational decision-makingPartner closely with Enterprise and Network Planning to ensure schedule design, resource alignment, and execution are fully integratedChampion operational discipline, standardization, and continuous improvement to reduce variability and improve consistency across the operationLead cross-functional alignment across SOC, Airports, Flight Operations, Inflight, and Technical Operations to improve coordination and decision velocityPartner with Technology to advance SOC systems and platforms to support a more complex, data-driven operationBuild and develop a strong leadership bench, fostering accountability, ownership, and operational excellenceEnsure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including FAA regulations and the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agenciesAccountable for the effectiveness of the Safety Management System (SMS) within System Operations, ensuring safety risk management is embedded in day-of-operations decision-makingTake a significant role in the development of crewmembers to support their engagement, growth, and goal achievementOther duties as assignedMinimum Experience and QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in a relevant field; ORdemonstratedcapability to perform job responsibilities with a High School Diploma/GED and at least four (4) years ofpreviousrelevant work experienceTen (10) years of leadership experience with a Part 121 carrierTen (10) combined airline experience in System Operations, Airports, Technical Operations and/or Flight OperationsStrong working knowledge of Crew Services, Dispatch and ATC and their interdependenciesAbility to form relationships with regulatory agenciesKnowledge of Federal Aviation Rules (FAR) and Railway Labor ActKnowledge of emergency response proceduresAbility to prepare and present a business case and to explain and justify operational decisionsHands on experience with productivity and process improvement methodologies and the use of benchmarks and metrics to track performanceA record of success in developing and leading major change initiativesAvailable for moderate overnight travel (up to 20%)Able to work flexible hours and be available for an emergency response on short noticeMust pass a pre-employment drug testMust be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is locatedAuthorization to work in the US isrequired, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorshipPreferred Experience and QualificationsFifteen (15) years of leadership experience with a Part 121 carrierExperience working in a unionized environment, including labor relations, contract negotiations, or partnership with organized labor groupsExperience implementing or scaling data science, analytics, or AI capabilities in an operational environmentExperience partnering with enterprise or network planning functions to improve schedule design and executionAdvanced degree in business, operations, engineering, or related fieldCrewmember Expectations:Regular attendance and punctualityAbility to work flexible hours and respond to operational needs on short noticeMaintain a professional appearanceWhen working or traveling on JetBlue flights, assist with light cleaning of the aircraft if time permitsExhibit JetBlue’s values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion, and FunFulfill safety accountabilities as prescribed by JetBlue’s Safety Management System (SMS)Promote safety as a Safety Ambassador and support all SMS components and behaviorsIdentify and report safety concerns through appropriate channels, including ASAP and SAR programsAdhere to all applicable laws, regulations (FAA, OSHA, DOT), and company policiesUphold JetBlue’s safety performance metric goals and understand how they relate to their duties and responsibilitiesThe use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position.Equipment:Computer and other office equipmentWork Environment:Traditional Office EnvironmentPhysical Effort: Generally not required, or up to 10 pounds occasionally, 0 pounds frequently. (Sedentary)Compensation:The base pay range for this position is between $251,000 and $377,000 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue’s total compensation package, which may also include performance bonuses, restricted stock units, as well as access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crewmember stock purchase plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more.