Charter Operations Specialist

Charter Operations Specialist

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 Charter Operations Specialist role directly supports the success of Gridiron Air charter operations by ensuring nothing is left to chance, and all details have been managed. This unique role combines client-facing relationships and logistics to support the delivery of excellence and consistently meet and exceed client expectations. The position will be based onsite in the Gridiron Air Operations Control Center and will provide advanced planning and day-of-charter execution coordination of all Gridiron Air charter missions. They will be responsible for ensuring all required aircraft and passenger support services are contracted, scheduled, and delivered. When needed, the role may also function as the onsite Operations Representative as required during periods of high demand or staffing disruption. This position is a DOT safety-sensitive position and is subject to Gridiron Air DOT Drug & Alcohol prevention program testing requirements.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Charter Operations Planning
• Serve as dedicated Points-of-Contact (POC) for each charter operation.
• Liaison between sales and client contact ensuring all contractual agreements are included in trip planning.
• Create and present trip briefs to clients and internal teams.
• Conducts pre-flight briefing calls with all relevant stakeholders.
• Drive clarity and ensure all required stakeholders are aware of contract requirements and key deliverables.
• Schedule and confirm all required vendors / service providers (FBO handling, ground transportation, catering, branding, parking, lavatory servicing, aircraft cleaning, aircraft de-icing, etc.) to fulfill all aspects of contracted services for the respective charter operation.
• Own service delivery and logistics planning for all Gridiron Air charter operations.
• Coordinates with the AMT and inflight to manage GSE provisioning and logistics and as needed.
• Proactively identify risk-to-plan and provide service recovery recommendations as necessary.
• Ensure OCC systems has been updated to provide all Gridiron Air Team Members with all pertinent information relating to the trip.
• Day-of Charter Operations
• Provide OCC-based day-of-charter operation coordination and drive execution against plan.
• Own day-of-charter operational coordination for all flights operating during their assigned shift.
• Provide real time updates and proactive day-of-charter communication to Gridiron Air clients as required.
• Monitor passenger check-in and handling by onsite service providers and Gridiron personnel.
• Support and manage last minute "no shows" and "go shows", update passenger manifests as required, and ensure required security checks are accomplished before allowing the passenger to board Gridiron Air aircraft.
• Plan and prepare for flawless execution of charter operations and logistics, proactively managing all details and timelines.
• Ensure all resources (personnel, facilities, and equipment) are in place to support charter operations requirements.
• Enable on-time departures by ensuring all vendors / service providers are delivering on contracted services and meeting operational timelines.
• Track completion and contract fulfillment of required vendors / service providers (FBO handling, ground transportation, catering, branding, parking, lavatory servicing, aircraft cleaning, aircraft de-icing, etc.) to ensure delivery of all aspects of contracted services for the respective charter operation.
• Proactively communicating during charter operations to identify problems early, manage disruption, and ensure continuity of client service and contract expectations.
• Responsible for smooth and consistent excruciation of assigned charter operations.
• Provide day-of-charter HAZMAT acceptance consultation and/or subject-matter expertise as required.
• Function as the Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO) during Gridiron Air charter operations.
• Record data and maintain records in support of Gridiron Air service and logistics contract adherence and vendor / service provider management.
• Aim for flawless execution of all logistics, handling operations, and day-of-charter timelines Assists in proper reporting of safety hazards as discovered.
• Assists flight crew and OCC in resolving Charter Operations issues/discrepancies during trip irregularities. Provide timely updates to clients on flight status, changes, or requirements.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Fulfill the role of onsite Operations Representative as needed.
• Must be willing to hold over beyond scheduled hours when needed.
• Function as Ground Security Coordinator as required.
• 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

• Minimum of 2 years' experience (Charter Operations, Inflight Operations, Ground Operations, and/or Vendor or Service Provider Operational Execution Experience).
• High School or GED equivalent required, bachelor's degree a plus
• Knowledge of Part 121 Operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Airline Operational applications.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills
• Results-driven mindset with a proven ability to be inquisitive and identify and implement process improvements.
• Strong motivation and leadership skills with the ability to lead and influence people
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Domestic & International travel up to 25% of the time
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Passport with the legal right to travel domestically and internationally without restrictions.
• Exerts up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Must be flexible to work all shifts, Including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with a clear driving record; this position supports Operations Control functions and requires operating a motor vehicle, so a valid license and driving record free of violations are required as a condition of employment and may be subject to periodic motor vehicle record (MVR) checks.

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 (<25%).

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. Gridiron Air LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity