Senior Operations Manager

Kamaka Air is a Hawaii-based FAA Part 135 certificated air cargo carrier headquartered at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), operating a fleet of Cessna 208 Caravan and Cessna 408 SkyCourier aircraft on scheduledrecurring [CB1] and charter cargo routes to Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. As a critical link in Hawaii’s inter-island logistics chain, we move the freight the islands run on — from UPS and USPS canisters to medical supplies, fresh food, and time‑sensitive cargo for the businesses and communities of the neighbor islands. At Kamaka Our our commitment is simple: safety, reliability, and service to the working Hawai’i we fly for every day. POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Operations Manager owns end-to-end cargo operations — from the moment a customer places an order through scheduling, front desk intake, cargo acceptance, staging, load, departure, and delivery at our neighbor island stations on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this leader directs the HNL hub ground operation and remote island stations, and partners daily with Flight Operations and Maintenance & Engineering to deliver safe, on‑time, cost‑effective service. This is a hands‑on senior leadership role for an operator who thrives in the pre‑dawn cargo window (normal operating hours 1:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.), leads from the floor, and is accountable for the numbers: on‑time performance, dispatch reliability, cargo damage rate, load factor, and cost per flight. KEY RESULT AREAS Safe, compliant operations — zero preventable incidents; full FAA, TSA, OSHA, and hazmat compliance. On‑time performance & dispatch reliability — aircraft loaded, documented, and released on schedule. End‑to‑end service quality — accurate order intake, staging, and delivery; low cargo damage/claims rate. Operational efficiency & cost management — labor productivity, load factor, and cost per flight. Team readiness — trained, engaged crews at HNL and all island stations, every shift. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES End-to-End Operations, Scheduling & Customer Intake Own the daily operating plan from customer order and booking through scheduling, flight assignment, and confirmed delivery across all four island routes. Lead front desk and customer service intake — cargo acceptance, documentation, dangerous goods screening, weights, and cutoffs — so every shipment enters the system right the first time. Build and manage daily flight load plans with Flight Operations; balance scheduled commitments, charter requests, and priority freight (UPS, USPS, key accounts). Serve as senior operational point of contact for key customers; resolve service issues quickly and permanently. HNL Hub & Ground Operations Direct daily hangar and warehouse operations: sortation, island staging lanes, UPS/USPS canister receipt, build‑up, and aircraft loading/unloading. Champion lean operations — 5S, visual management, and standard work — to increase throughput from cargo acceptance to aircraft load. Ensure ground support equipment, vehicles, forklifts, and fuel operations are serviceable, inspected, and ready; drive preventive maintenance to minimize downtime. Remote Island Station Operations — Maui, Molokai, Lanai Own station performance at OGG/JHM, MKK, and LNY: staffing, ground handling, turnaround times, equipment readiness, and local vendor/airport relationships. Standardize processes across stations so a shipment is handled the same way on Lanai as it is in Honolulu; travel regularly to each island station. Plan station coverage and contingencies for weather, mechanical, and schedule disruptions in coordination with dispatch and Flight Operations. Safety & Regulatory Compliance Enforce strict adherence to FAA Part 135 ground handling requirements, TSA cargo security programs, OSHA, and 49 CFR hazardous materials regulations. Conduct safety audits, briefings, and recurrent training for ground, front desk, and cargo handling personnel; sustain a just, reporting‑driven safety culture. Own incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation; track findings to closure. Cross-Functional Leadership & Performance Management Partner daily with Flight Operations (dispatch, pilots) and Maintenance & Engineering (Part 145) to protect the schedule and resolve AOG, weight & balance, and turnaround issues. Report weekly and monthly on operational KPIs — OTP, dispatch reliability, damage rate, load factor, cost per flight — with actions to close gaps. Manage the ground operations budget: overtime, staffing levels, equipment, and station costs. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Directly lead the ground operations team: warehouse/cargo handlers, ramp and ground support, front desk/customer service representatives, and island station personnel. Own shift scheduling and staffing coverage across the 1:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. operating window, seven‑day operation, and island stations. Hire, train, evaluate, and develop team members; build bench strength and shift‑lead capability; maintain a positive, safe, accountable culture. SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS Normal operating hours are 1:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; this role works the operation, with flexibility for weekends, holidays, and irregular operations as cargo demand requires. Regular inter‑island travel to Maui, Molokai, and Lanai stations. Work is performed in hangar, warehouse, ramp, and office environments, including exposure to weather, aircraft noise, and moving equipment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and assist with cargo handling as an operational lead. Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work on feet for extended periods, and to work at a computer. Ability to obtain and maintain airport security badging (SIDA) and a valid driver’s license. QUALIFICATIONS Required 7+ years of progressive operations experience in air cargo, aviation, or logistics, including 3+ years leading teams in a Part 135, Part 121, or air cargo ground handling environment. Demonstrated end‑to‑end operational ownership — customer order/scheduling through ground handling and delivery — in a deadline‑driven, overnight or early‑morning operation. Working knowledge of FAA regulations, TSA cargo security requirements, OSHA, and hazardous materials (49 CFR / will‑carry or will‑not‑carry) handling. Proven ability to lead frontline teams across multiple sites and shifts; strong scheduling, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Strong computer skills, including operations/flight management systems and Microsoft Office. Preferred Bachelor’s degree in logistics, aviation management, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Experience with lean operations (5S, standard work, visual management) in a warehouse, ramp, or hangar setting. Multi‑station or remote/outstation management experience; Hawaii inter‑island or regional cargo experience a strong plus. Hazmat, load planning/weight & balance, and forklift or GSE certifications. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Starting salary range is $100,000 – $150,000+, commensurate with experience and demonstrated scope of operational leadership. Kamaka Air offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and holidays. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Kamaka Air is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture, providing equal opportunities to associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a Vietnam‑era or special disabled veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws. In addition, Kamaka Air complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where Kamaka Air has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr