Ground Operations Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Service Manager - Repair Station (Part 145 FAA Accountable Manager)

Position Summary
The Service Manager serves as the operational and regulatory leader of our FAA-certificated repair station and acts as the Accountable Manager under 14 CFR Part 145. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant maintenance operations for a diverse fleet of 15 aircraft across four aircraft types.  The Service Manager leads a team of no more than 20 technicians and parts personnel, maintains budget accountability for the repair station, and serves as the primary point of contact with the FAA on matters related to the organization’s repair station certificate. This position also ensures continuous repair capability through effective scheduling and on-call support, as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as the designated Accountable Manager for the organization’s FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate, with ultimate responsibility for work performed under the certificate.
• Ensure the repair station operates in full compliance with 14 CFR Part 145, applicable Airworthiness Directives, manufacturer maintenance manuals, and other FAA regulations.
• Maintain and oversee the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and Repair Station Training Manual (RSTM), ensuring documents remain current, accurate, and consistently followed.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for inspections, audits, and correspondence.
• Ensure all required records, logbooks, work orders, and airworthiness releases are completed accurately and retained in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the qualification, training, and currency of repair station personnel, including appropriate authorizations and certifications.
  

Operations Management

• Direct day-to-day repair station operations, including maintenance activities and scheduling for all staff.

• Develop and maintain scheduling frameworks that support 24/7 maintenance coverage, including five-day, eight-hour shift rotations and on-call support for after-hours and weekend needs.
• Coordinate with aircraft owners, operators, and internal stakeholders to prioritize maintenance events, minimize aircraft-on-ground (AOG) time, and meet fleet availability targets.
• Monitor workflow, work order status, and shop capacity to ensure timely completion of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
• Oversee parts management operations, including inventory control, procurement coordination, parts traceability, and shelf-life management in compliance with Part 145 requirements.
  

Personnel Leadership

• Lead and supervise a team of fewer than 20 mechanics and parts personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and mentorship, and support professional development for direct reports.
• Manage staffing needs, including hiring recommendations, onboarding, and workforce planning to maintain appropriate coverage across shifts and on-call rotations.
• Administer and enforce company policies, safety standards, and disciplinary procedures in a fair and consistent manner.
• Promote and maintain a strong Safety Management System (SMS) culture throughout the shop.

Financial & Budgetary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual repair station operating budget, including labor, tooling, equipment, parts inventory, training, and facility costs.
•  Monitor expenditures against budget, identify variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Provide regular financial reporting and operational metrics to the President, Aircraft Management & Maintenance.
• Identify and evaluate capital expenditure needs, including tooling, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements.
• Support cost-effective procurement strategies for parts and materials while maintaining full traceability and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications Required

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, or the ability to obtain it within 3 years
•  Minimum of 7 years of project management experience, preferably in aviation maintenance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145, Part 43, Part 91, and other applicable FARs.
• Prior experience serving in, or directly supporting, an Accountable Manager or Director of Maintenance role.
• Proven ability to manage maintenance operations across multiple aircraft types.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with budget development and financial management.
• Proficiency with maintenance tracking software and digital work order systems.
  

Preferred

• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role within an FAA Part 145-certificated repair station.
• Inspection Authorization (IA)
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Business Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing 24/7 maintenance operations, including on-call scheduling.
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aviation quality assurance programs.
  

Working Conditions

This full time position is based on-site at our Ankeny, Iowa repair station facility.
Must be available for on-call contact outside normal business hours in response to AOG events or regulatory matters.
Work environment includes exposure to aircraft hangars, shop floors, and associated conditions such as noise, fumes, and varying temperatures.
Occasional travel may be required for regulatory meetings, training, or fleet support activities.

Salary range:  $95,000 - $130,000 

Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings options; paid time off; company-paid holidays; training and professional development opportunities; and other programs designed to support employee well-being and long-term success.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.