Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.