Director of Operations

Role Overview

The Director of Operations holds primary responsibility and accountability for managing the organizational structure and daily functions of Freeman Jet Center's (FJC) Charter FAR Part 135 operations. This is an onsite position requiring active pilot duties and must be occupied by an FJC Charter employee.

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as the accountable manager overseeing resource allocation.
• Maintains oversight of the FAA Part 135 certificate and all associated aircraft.
• Holds the role of Director of Operations, supervising the Chief Pilot.
• Develops and enforces policies, procedures, and processes ensuring safe flight operations aligned with Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations Specifications, and company directives.
• Oversees flight scheduling and preserves duty and flight time records accurately.
• Manages additions or removals of aircraft from the FJC Charter certificate, ensuring proper equipment for assigned operations.
• Acts with authority on behalf of the certificate holder, including signing FAA correspondence and operations specifications linked to FJC's FAR 135 certification.
• Functions as FJC Charter's liaison with external regulatory and auditing bodies such as the FAA and third-party auditors.
• Ensures all reports and documentation related to FJC Part 135 operations are properly maintained.
• Coordinates amendments to the Air Carrier Operations Manual, submits revisions to the FAA, and obtains their approval.
• Works closely with the Director of Maintenance to ensure prompt resolution of mechanical issues.
• Supports the welfare of personnel involved in flight operations.
• Must comply with all CFR Part 119.71 qualifications.
• Promotes safety and quality through engagement with FJC's Safety Management System (SMS) program and fosters a culture prioritizing safety and quality.
• May delegate responsibilities while retaining ultimate accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 3000 total flight hours, including 1200 hours as pilot-in-command with at least 500 cross-country hours, 100 nighttime hours, and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time.
• Previous experience in FAR Part 135 roles such as Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent professional aviation experience.
• Strong business acumen with clear understanding of the relationship between flight operations and business goals.
• Proven ability to formulate actionable plans supporting overall business strategies.
• Experience in designing and managing effective training programs targeted to specific audiences.
• Leadership skills that inspire, engage, and influence teams effectively.
• High professionalism, self-confidence, and self-starting attitude.
• Discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy in handling confidential matters; skilled in coaching, counseling, and resolving conflicts.
• Excellent communication skills including written, verbal, and presentations across organization levels.
• Strong customer service orientation with a positive attitude and ability to manage stress and diffuse conflict.
• Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities with prioritization skills.
• Analytical problem-solving abilities for complex or ambiguous situations.
• Compliance with all relevant CFR Part 119.71 standards.
• Holder of a current and valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
• Capability to maintain a Second-Class Medical certificate.
• Proficient computer skills, especially financial spreadsheets.
• Fluent in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• No FAA regulatory violations in the previous five years.

Preferred Experience

• Experience operating King Air 90/200 aircraft.

Compensation and Benefits

This role includes a competitive benefits package featuring a 401(k) matching program, Paid Time Off (PTO), and medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Freeman Jet Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, supporting protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Additional Information

This job description is illustrative and not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted at any time without prior notice as required by management.