Lead Flight Follower

Lead Flight Follower

BACKGROUND A FAR Part 121 Supplemental Air Carrier, Gridiron Air is a leading charter airline specializing in customized flight solutions using its fleet of Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. We are committed to delivering new levels of safety, hospitality, and operational excellence to the charter market. Our talented flight and cabin crew operate across the globe, 365 days a year. These team members are supported by dedicated professionals out of our corporate office - including our state-of-the-art Operations Control Center and world-class Maintenance Operation - located at AFW, Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, in Fort Worth, Texas. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of our business and will require evening and weekend availability when needed. Gridiron expects its employees to conduct business honestly and ethically wherever operations are maintained. We strive to improve our services, products, and processes consistently and will maintain a reputation for safety, reliability, service, operational excellence, integrity, diversity, and inclusion. Our employees are expected to adhere to high standards of business and personal integrity as a representation of our business practices at all times, consistent with their duty of loyalty to the company. In addition, Gridiron Air expects all its employees to uphold a work environment that ensures Safety, Security, Quality, Responsibility, and value for all our employees, clients, customers, and other stakeholders.

SUMMARY The Lead Flight Follower is a senior individual contributor who provides day-to-day leadership and direction to the Flight Following team, serving as the on-shift point of authority in the absence of the Manager. This role coordinates with the Pilot in Command (PIC) for the pre-flight planning, delay, and release of flights, while also coaching, training, and quality-checking the work of other Flight Followers to ensure consistency and compliance. The Lead Flight Follower plays a pivotal role in the seamless movement of Gridiron's aircraft, upholding the Company's commitment to safety and operational excellence, and acts as the first point of escalation for operational irregularities. All flights are conducted in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations and Gridiron's manuals and policies, with the Lead ensuring the team upholds these standards consistently. This position requires strong technical dispatch expertise paired with the judgment and communication skills to guide a team through routine operations and high-pressure irregularities alike.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Serve as the on-shift point of authority for the Flight Following team in the Directors's absence, managing day-to-day operations and providing guidance, coaching, and on-the-job training to Flight Followers.
• Analyze, plan, brief, and conduct flight following for assigned trips including routing, fuel planning, NOTAMs, weather, ground handling, and logistics coordinating with the PIC on fuel, alternates, aircraft performance, and MEL restrictions.
• Execute and file flight releases, ensuring all required weather data, NOTAMs, airport analysis, and crew briefings on aircraft/mechanical status are complete and accurate; review releases prepared by team members for compliance.
• Monitor all flights in progress (departures, arrivals, diversions, ATC delays, mechanical/maintenance issues) and act as first point of escalation for irregularities, looping in the Manager or DO as needed.
• Maintain qualifications to conduct Flight Follower qualification training and competency checks.
• Support process development, documentation, and operational projects as required
• Coordinate with Maintenance Control on scheduled/unscheduled maintenance and irregular operations affecting aircraft routing.
• Initiate and direct emergency procedures and notifications, and drive operational efficiency during weather, crew, or maintenance irregularities.
• Suspend operations when unsafe conditions exist, and ensure duty, flight time, and rest requirements are met per applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with crew scheduling on crew logistics and legal scheduling compliance, resolving more complex issues as they arise.
• Ensure shift turnovers and required records are completed by the team, reviewing for completeness, and communicating significant operational impacts to the DO/Manager.
• Support the Manager/Director of OCC with day-to-day team management, scheduling, and shift coverage; perform additional duties as assigned.
• All employees are expected to be well-versed in the Gridiron Air Safety Management System (SMS). They should be proficient in carrying out duties in line with their training and participation in the SMS. Moreover, they are encouraged and supported to identify and report safety hazards, detect safety shortcomings, and voice safety concerns within the operation, thus promoting a proactive safety culture.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business needs and shifting company priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid FAA Dispatch License.
• 4-5+ years dispatching ETOPS 180 or higher, planning long-range routes over the Atlantic, Pacific, or Polar regions.
• 4+ years in operations/flight coordination, with preference for Part 121 flight following experience.
• Prior lead, supervisory, or informal team-lead experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions independently, including in the absence of direct management oversight.
• Excellent computer skills, including Windows-based platforms and airline management software.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to train, coach, and give feedback to team members.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable FARs, weather, and technical dispatch skills; ability to multi-task and prioritize under pressure.
• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must be flexible to work all shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in an office setting. Occasionally, the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions which may include wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat and cold. When working outside the office, the noise level in the work environment is often loud. Occasional travel may be required (<10%).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak, write, and understand English. Employees must also adhere to Gridiron Air's Drug and Alcohol policies.