Regional Director of Operations - Aviation

Director of Operations - Aviation

Company:
National Aviation Services (NAS)

Department:
Operations

Reports To:

Vice President of Operations

Status:
Full-Time | Exempt

Travel:
Up to 80% regional travel

Position Summary

National Aviation Services (NAS), a leading provider of aviation support services to major airlines and airports across the United States, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Operations to oversee multi-site aviation operations within an assigned region.

This leadership role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, financial performance, safety leadership, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement across multiple airport locations. The Director of Operations will oversee critical aviation services including aircraft interior cabin cleaning, exterior aircraft cleaning, security searching, cargo operations, catering security, and facility janitorial services.

This role requires a proven aviation operations leader with strong regulatory knowledge, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex airport environments while driving operational performance and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Strategic Execution

* Provide executive-level leadership and operational oversight across multiple airport locations

* Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with NAS service delivery standards and organizational objectives

* Ensure consistent execution of operational procedures, service quality standards, and performance expectations

* Drive operational efficiency, productivity improvements, and scalable operational models

* Ensure operational readiness, staffing alignment, and service continuity

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Leadership

* Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including FAA, TSA, CBP, DOT, OSHA, and airport authority regulations

* Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all operational locations

* Ensure completion of required employee training, certifications, and regulatory requirements

* Lead incident investigations and corrective action plans in partnership with Safety and Human Resources

Leadership, Workforce Development, and Organizational Effectiveness

* Lead, coach, and develop Regional Managers, Station Managers, and operational leadership teams

* Partner with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing operational teams

* Establish leadership accountability, performance standards, and succession planning

* Drive employee engagement, retention, and leadership development initiatives

* Foster a culture of accountability, safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement

Client and Stakeholder Management

* Serve as the primary senior operational liaison with airline customers, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies

* Conduct regular operational reviews, site visits, and customer performance meetings

* Address service issues, audit findings, and operational escalations promptly and effectively

* Support contract retention, service expansion, and operational growth initiatives

Financial and Business Management

* Oversee regional operational budgets, financial performance, and profit and loss accountability

* Monitor labor utilization, staffing models, and operational cost controls

* Partner with Finance to develop forecasts, budgets, and operational plans

* Identify operational efficiencies and cost improvement opportunities

* Support contract pricing, renewals, and operational planning

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

* Monitor operational KPIs, service performance metrics, and audit results

* Lead process improvement initiatives and operational optimization efforts

* Ensure compliance with NAS operational, safety, and quality standards

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

* Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred

* Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation services, airport operations, or related field

* Demonstrated experience managing multi-site airport operations

* Proven success leading large, diverse operational teams

* Strong experience managing aviation regulatory compliance

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Expert knowledge of FAA, TSA, CBP, OSHA, and DOT regulations

* Strong leadership, organizational, and operational management skills

* Proven ability to manage complex, fast-paced aviation environments

* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

* Strong financial acumen and operational budgeting experience

* Ability to influence, lead, and drive operational performance

Work Environment and Requirements

* Frequent travel required (70-80%) to airport locations within assigned region

* Work in airport operational environments, including secure areas and aircraft ramp locations

* Ability to obtain and maintain airport security clearance and SIDA badge

* Ability to work in fast-paced,…