Chief Operating Officer

Role overview

Our client is hiring a senior aviation operations leader to oversee day-to-day execution for a sophisticated private aviation business running a 40+ aircraft fleet across Part 135 and Part 91 operations. This position goes beyond standard operations management and offers the opportunity to lead, strengthen, and scale a top-tier aviation platform.

In this role, you will serve as the primary driver of operational performance, with responsibility for safety, fleet productivity, service delivery, and overall operational excellence. You will also work closely with the CEO to support expansion across Jet Card, Fractional Ownership, and Aircraft Management offerings.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Take full command of a premium aviation operation and shape how it runs on a daily basis.
• Help design the systems, processes, and infrastructure needed to support the company’s next stage of growth.
• Work directly with the CEO and senior leadership team on strategy and major decisions.
• Make a measurable difference in safety, customer experience, aircraft performance, and profitability.
• Lead in an environment serving discerning clients with complex logistics and a high standard of personal service.

Core responsibilities

• Direct daily operations across flight operations, maintenance coordination, scheduling and dispatch, fleet planning, and owner/client service.
• Maintain safe, compliant, and efficient operations under Part 135 and Part 91 while helping reinforce a strong safety-focused culture alongside flight and safety leadership.
• Improve aircraft utilization, routing efficiency, empty-leg reduction, maintenance downtime control, and overall operational reliability.
• Oversee operational performance measures and contribute to budget management, including cost per flight hour, crew efficiency, maintenance expense, and fuel strategy.
• Collaborate with sales, finance, client experience, safety, and maintenance teams so operational choices support growth, margin, and service goals.
• Create and refine systems, workflows, scorecards, and accountability structures that can scale with jet card, fractional ownership, and aircraft management programs.
• Lead, coach, and develop department heads while promoting accountability, integrity, adaptability, and ongoing improvement.

Required qualifications

Applicants should bring at least 10 years of aviation operations leadership experience, along with deep experience in Part 135 operations. Exposure to Part 91 is also beneficial. The ideal candidate has led complex multi-aircraft operations, preferably with 20 or more aircraft.

Strong working knowledge of FAA regulations, flight operations, dispatch, and maintenance planning is necessary. Candidates should also have experience managing operational budgets, financial performance, or decisions tied to P&L outcomes. Success in this role requires the ability to thrive in a fast-moving, client-focused environment with demanding service expectations.

Preferred background

• Experience in jet card, fractional ownership, or aircraft management programs.
• Background in premium private aviation or similar high-touch service businesses.
• Familiarity with ARGUS, Wyvern, and Safety Management Systems.
• Hands-on experience using KPIs, scorecards, or EOS/Traction-style accountability tools.
• Strong cross-functional leadership across operations, finance, and client-facing teams.

Leadership profile

• Primarily an operator, with the ability to turn strategy into disciplined execution.
• Composed, decisive, and credible in active operational situations.
• Comfortable using data and metrics to improve results and accountability.
• Equally committed to safety and client experience, without sacrificing either.
• Strong communicator who can influence executives, pilots, managers, and high-net-worth clients.
• Focused on building systems and teams rather than only solving short-term issues.

What success looks like

• A dependable operation with strong on-time performance, completion rates, and trust from owners and clients.
• Scalable operating infrastructure that supports growth across jet card, fractional ownership, and managed aircraft programs.
• Better efficiency in utilization, downtime, sourcing, and key cost drivers.
• A culture where safety, accountability, and service excellence are treated as non-negotiables.