Sr Operations Manager - Aircraft Detailing

Sr Operations Manager - Aircraft Detailing

$90,000 - $100,000/YR

Summary Of Position: The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for planning, operating, and managing a full-service aircraft detailing business which supports private and corporate aircraft 24x7x365. This role is on-site, managing a base-airport with responsibilities extending to satellite airports within a defined area (mobile dispatch). The Sr. Operations Manager is responsible for meeting safety, quality, and financial (P&L) goals.

The ideal candidate has strong safety acumen, experience directing the work of teams, developed relationships in business aviation, and experience in airport or aviation operations management. This position partners cross-functionally to optimize performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business growth.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily aircraft detailing operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery. Detailing operations occur 24x7x365.
• Lead, develop, and manage frontline teams, including hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and succession planning to ensure a strong and sustainable leadership pipeline.
• Foster a safety-first culture, ensuring full compliance with all FAA, OSHA, TSA, airport and company policies and procedures.
• Ensure the highest levels of safety compliance; provide direct oversight for safety and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks of accidents, incidents, and injuries.
• Oversee operations ensuring premium service standards and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain open communication with customers and business aviation partners (e.g., FBOs, MROs, OEMs), fostering brand recognition, loyalty, and strong relationships with current and prospective customers.
• Manage, track and address customer feedback to ensure high satisfaction levels.
• Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless coordination of services, resources, and operational priorities.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, productivity, and service quality.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, analyze data, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage budgets, financial reporting, cost controls, and revenue optimization to meet or exceed financial targets.
• Ensure proper inventory control, equipment readiness, and facility maintenance.
• Lead workforce planning efforts, optimizing labor utilization and scheduling to meet operational demands.
• Proactively address and resolve operational challenges and customer concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and business partners to support retention and growth.
• Oversee employee adherence to training requirements, PPE standards, and company protocols, while ensuring all required airport badges, driving authorizations, and security clearances remain current.
• Review and manage timekeeping, payroll accuracy, and employee documentation in accordance with company policies.
• Lead operational audits, quality assurance programs, and regulatory inspections.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and ensure team preparedness.
• Stay current on aviation industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices.
• Provide regular reporting and performance updates to senior leadership.
• Support business development efforts and identify opportunities to expand services and partnerships.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older and eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in operations management, preferably with previous experience in aviation.
• Strong knowledge of FAA, OSHA, TSA/airport regulations.
• Experience managing budgets and performance metrics.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work flexible schedules and travel as needed.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must pass all required screenings and badging.

Education & Experience:

• Associate or bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership in aviation or airport operations.
• Knowledge of airport safety & security procedures preferred.
• Prior and recent Scissor Lift Certification preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Work in office and outdoor airport environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and lift to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and computers.
• Adequate vision and hearing to perform duties safely.

Competencies:

• Leadership & Navigation: Promotes organizational mission and goals and shows the way to achieve them.
• Ethical Practice: Earns others' trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Business Acumen: Aligns the direction, products, services, and performance of a business line with the rest of the organization.
• Relationship Management: Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.
• Consultation: Partners to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues.
• Critical Evaluation: Focuses on results and desired outcomes, how best to achieve them, and gets the job done.
• Cultural Effectiveness: Convinces others to follow recommendations and advice to bring them into compliance with regulations, standards, or policies and furthering the organization's objectives.