Associate Operations Manager

The

Associate Operations Manager

is responsible for supporting the effective management, coordination, and continuous improvement of UAS International Trip Support's General Aviation operations in Houston. Working closely with the Operations Management team, the position plays a key role in strengthening operational leadership, supervising daily trip support activities, maintaining exceptional service standards, managing client relationships, and supporting commercial growth initiatives.
The role requires a highly experienced General Aviation professional with strong technical expertise in international flight operations, trip support coordination, client servicing, and operational problem-solving. The successful candidate will combine hands-on operational capabilities with leadership, customer relationship management, and commercial awareness to ensure seamless service delivery across UAS's global operational network.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Management & Team Leadership
Support the Operations Management team in overseeing the daily activities, workload distribution, and performance of the Houston Operations team.
Provide hands-on operational guidance and technical support to Operations Specialists, particularly in complex or time-sensitive situations.
Supervise the coordination and execution of international General Aviation trip support services, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery.
Monitor operational performance against established KPIs, service standards, and company SOPs.
Support shift planning, workload allocation, operational coverage, and resource optimization in a 24/7 aviation environment.
Coach, mentor, and develop team members to strengthen technical competencies, operational accountability, and service excellence.
Assist management with employee performance assessments, training requirements, and continuous staff development.
Promote effective communication and collaboration between Houston Operations, Dubai HQ, and other UAS operational offices.
General Aviation Trip Support & Operational Excellence
Oversee and support end-to-end international trip support coordination, including flight planning, overflight and landing permits, airport slots, ground handling, fuel arrangements, and other aviation support services.
Provide technical expertise in international flight operations, airport requirements, operational restrictions, and regulatory procedures.
Review complex flight movements, operational feasibility, and special client requirements to ensure smooth execution.
Proactively identify potential operational disruptions and implement effective solutions to minimize service interruptions.
Coordinate with internal departments, airport authorities, ground handlers, aviation service providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Support the resolution of urgent operational challenges, including last-minute flight changes, diversions, permit delays, and service disruptions.
Ensure operational accuracy, timely communication, and proper documentation throughout the trip support process.
Client Relationship Management & Service Excellence
Act as a senior operational point of contact for key clients, ensuring professional and responsive communication.
Build and maintain strong relationships with General Aviation operators, corporate flight departments, private aviation clients, and other aviation stakeholders.
Understand client operational requirements, service expectations, and business priorities to deliver tailored trip support solutions.
Manage complex client inquiries, operational escalations, and service complaints, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate follow-up.
Work closely with the Operations Management team to improve client satisfaction, service consistency, and long-term customer retention.
Identify opportunities to enhance the overall client experience and strengthen UAS's reputation as a trusted global trip support provider.
Commercial Support & Business Development
Support the Operations Management and Commercial teams in identifying opportunities to expand services within existing client accounts.
Develop and maintain relationships with aviation operators, corporate flight departments, and industry stakeholders to support business growth.
Identify potential cross-selling and upselling opportunities for UAS trip support, fuel, ground handling, and other aviation services.
Provide operational and technical input for client proposals, service feasibility assessments, and commercial discussions.
Participate in client meetings and business development activities when required.
Collaborate with the Sales and Commercial teams to support client retention, account development, and revenue growth.
Provide market insights and client feedback to management to support commercial planning and service improvements.
Compliance, Quality Assurance & Risk Management
Ensure all operational activities comply with company SOPs, internal policies, the Global Compliance Handbook, and applicable aviation regulations.
Maintain awareness of international aviation requirements, including operational restrictions, permit regulations, and country-specific procedures.
Monitor operational quality and identify potential compliance risks or service delivery gaps.
Support internal audits, incident investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure accurate operational records, reporting, and documentation are maintained in accordance with company requirements.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Contribution & Continuous Improvement
Support the Operations Management team in implementing operational strategies and departmental improvement initiatives.
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and enhance operational efficiency.
Recommend improvements to operational processes, systems, and communication channels.
Contribute to the development of operational KPIs, performance reports, and service quality initiatives.
Support the integration and coordination of operational activities across UAS's global offices.
Stay informed about aviation industry developments, regulatory changes, market trends, and emerging technologies.
Additional Responsibilities
Remain available to support urgent operational requirements and critical client escalations when necessary.
Represent UAS professionally during client meetings, vendor discussions, and aviation industry events.
Support management in special projects and operational initiatives.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned by Operations Management.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in aviation management, Business Administration, Aviation Operations, or a related discipline is preferred.
Relevant aviation operations certifications or specialized trip support training would be an advantage.
Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in General Aviation operations, international trip support, or business aviation services.
At least 3 years of experience in a senior operational, supervisory, or team leadership capacity.
Strong hands-on experience coordinating international flight operations and managing complex trip support requirements.
Proven experience working in a fast-paced, 24/7 aviation operations environment.
Demonstrated ability to supervise operational teams, manage escalations, and support performance improvement.
Experience dealing directly with business aviation operators, corporate flight departments, and high-value aviation clients.
Exposure to client relationship management, account development, or commercial support within the aviation industry is highly desirable.
Experience supporting US-based and international General Aviation operations would be an advantage.
Technical Knowledge & Skills
Comprehensive understanding of international General Aviation trip support services and operational workflows.
Strong knowledge of flight planning coordination, overflight and landing permits, airport slots, ground handling, and aviation fuel arrangements.
Familiarity with international aviation regulations, operational restrictions, and airport procedures.
Ability to manage complex operational scenarios and make sound decisions under pressure.
Strong knowledge of operational planning systems, aviation software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and client service capabilities.
Competency:
Operational Leadership:

Ability to guide and support operational teams while maintaining high service standards.
Technical Aviation Expertise:

Strong understanding of international General Aviation operations and trip support services.
Client Relationship Management:

Ability to build trusted relationships and manage key client expectations.
Commercial Awareness:

Recognize opportunities for account development, client retention, and revenue growth.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making:

Resolve complex operational challenges efficiently under pressure.
Team Development:

Coach, mentor, and support employee performance and technical development.
Communication & Collaboration:

Coordinate effectively with clients, internal departments, and international stakeholders.
Operational Excellence:

Maintain accuracy, efficiency, service quality, and compliance across operations.
Strategic Thinking:

Identify opportunities to improve operational performance and support business objectives.
Adaptability & Resilience:

Perform effectively in a dynamic, time-sensitive, 24/7 aviation environment.
Integrity & Compliance:

Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and adherence to regulatory and company requirements.
Work Requirements:
Work Location:

Based at the UAS Houston office, Texas, USA.
Work Authorization:

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work legally in the United States, unless otherwise approved by the company.
Operational Flexibility:

Ability to work in a 24/7 aviation operational environment, including shifts, weekends, public holidays, and outside standard working hours when operationally required.
Client Engagement:

Willingness to participate in client meetings and maintain professional relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Business Travel:

Availability for occasional domestic or international business travel, as required by operational needs.

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