Director of Operations - Aviation

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Director of Operations - Aviation

Full Time Director HONOLULU, HI, US

Job Title: Director of Operations

Department: Operations

Reports To: Vice President of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

A well-established aviation services provider is searching for a Director of Operations based in Honolulu. This senior leader will provide strategic direction for operations across multiple airport locations in the region, with full ownership of safety, regulatory compliance, financial results, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.

Service lines include aircraft interior cabin cleaning and security searches, exterior aircraft cleaning, aircraft maintenance support, catering security, cargo operations, and janitorial services. This is a high-impact role for a hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced, highly regulated airport environments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead regional operations: Build and execute operational strategies that drive performance, profitability, and growth, and standardize best practices across all stations and service lines.
• Own safety and compliance: Ensure adherence to FAA, TSA, CBP, DOT, and OSHA requirements, as well as state and airport authority rules. Oversee incident investigations and corrective action plans.
• Develop leaders: Set clear expectations for station and regional managers, coach and evaluate performance, build development and succession plans, and partner with HR on hiring, retention, and employee relations.
• Build client relationships: Serve as the senior point of contact and escalation point for airline customers and airport authorities. Lead performance reviews, audit responses, and corrective actions, and identify opportunities for contract retention and growth.
• Manage the P&L: Own regional budgets and forecasts, control labor and overtime costs, analyze variances, manage equipment and supplies, and provide cost inputs for pricing, rebids, and renewals.
• Drive continuous improvement: Use operational data and KPIs to spot trends, lead process improvements, and guide teams through change.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 7–10 years of progressive operational leadership in aviation services, including multi-site, high-volume operations with a large, diverse workforce.
• Proven success leading geographically dispersed teams and managing aviation regulatory compliance programs.
• Expert knowledge of FAA, TSA, CBP, OSHA, and DOT regulations for aircraft services and airport operations.
• Strong understanding of aircraft types, cabin configurations, and cleaning specifications.
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, labor modeling, and P&L accountability.
• Excellent communication skills with employees, customers, regulators, and senior leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office;\Adobe Acrobat, HRIS, and operations or auditing software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & REQUIREMENTS

• Work in indoor and outdoor airport operational areas, including varying weather and moderate to loud noise.
• Ability to walk and stand frequently; occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, or crouch; lift up to 50 lbs (up to 100 lbs with assistance); and work in confined spaces around moving aircraft and equipment.
• Must obtain and maintain airport-issued SIDA badging and required security clearances.

Our company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

This commitment extends beyond compliance with equal opportunity laws; it is integral to creating an environment where individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives are respected and valued. Our company believes in the strength of our people, the ideas they contribute, and what we can accomplish together.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable laws, Our company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions, unless such accommodations would result in undue hardship. Our company also provides reasonable accommodations as required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.