Director of Ground Operations

Description

Position Summary

The Ground Operations Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation to include customer service, passenger ground transportation in Thrive Aviation’s ground operations vehicles, flight line services, aircraft detailing, aircraft fueling, hangar operations and hangar maintenance. Customer service is the primary focus, ensuring customers’ needs are always met or exceeded. Must be able to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers as well as governing agencies and the airport authority. The Ground Operations Director will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee activities associated with general aviation ground support services, aircraft fueling, line operations, hangar facilities, and the ground operations staff members performing these duties. The Ground Operations Director also serves as the Facilities Manager, coordinating the use and maintenance of all Thrive Aviation ground operations facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates all ground operations in accordance with Thrive Aviation, FAA, airport, and any other governmental and environmental agencies, policies and regulations
• Provides strong leadership to the ground operations team through clear communication, motivation, and encouragement; structured and organized actions; positive work environment to ensure the highest possible services levels are achieved and employee relations issues are minimized
• Manages and drives the financial performance of the ground operations facility(s), including revenue, expenditures, and appropriate staffing levels to meet or exceed budget and other company goals
• Ensures friendly and efficient service to our customers and adherence to all customer service, line service, and ground transportation and support operating services and procedures
• Responsible for staffing actions, including hiring, termination, discipline, evaluation, priorities setting, and counseling employees through coordination with Thrive Aviation’s People and Culture Department
• Supports existing relationships with customers, suppliers, and pertinent stakeholders and establishes new relationships accordingly
• Responsible for ensuring all accounting practices and duties are performed per Thrive Aviation’s practices, regulations, and schedule
• Determines the need for new training and enhances and reinforces existing training programs to ensure a high level of excellence in safety, customer service, line service, and ground support is continually maintained
• Develops innovative ideas to continually improve ground operations
• Manages all aspects of aircraft refueling
• Ensures that ground operations comply with all workplace safety, environmental, and other applicable regulations (ex: OSHA, FAA, Airport Authority)
• Assumes additional responsibilities and projects as assigned by the Vice President of Charter and Logistics
• Other duties as assigned by management or senior leadership

Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform required duties. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger and required to reach with hands and arms, perform duties that requiring tooling or machinery, and utilizing hands and fingers to work in tight spaces. The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. There is a constant operation of a telephone and computer. The employee may also work in a variety of temperatures and climates. The employee may be lifting up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust and focus.

Work Environment

• The work environment will include a variety of climates as some duties will be performed in hangar space that is not temperature controlled.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be extremely loud.

Experience & Qualifications

The most successful candidate in the position will meet most, if not all, of the following criteria.

• At least 5 years of previous management experience (Aviation preferred)
• High school degree or equivalent is required
• College or a vocational degree in business, Aviation Management, or a similar field is desired
• Experience in customer service
• Must possess computer knowledge in Microsoft Office and Google Applications
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and random Drug Screening, Background Check, and Employment Verification
• Pass NATA online training (done on-site after employment)
• At least five (5) years of supervisory experience (Aviation preferred)
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Strong initiative, execution, and organizational skills
• Strong business acumen, persuasion, and negotiation skills
• Must have a strong commitment to results