Sr Operations Manager - Aircraft Detailing at PrimeFlight… · Chicago

Sr. Operations Manager

$90,000 - $110,000 * Bonus Eligible

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