Operations Manager

Job Description - Operations Manager (18705)

About Us:

AAR Corp. (NYSE: AIR) is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people across over 60 sites in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago, Illinois area, AAR supports commercial and government customers in more than 100 countries through four operating segments:
Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, Repair and Engineering and Expeditionary Services.

AAR’s purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company’s mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

Operations Manager - 18705

Description

This position is pending contract award. If AAR is awarded this contract, the estimated start date is October 1, 2026.

The Aviation Operations Manager supports the U.S. Army’s Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) training mission as part of a contractor operated FSN program. This role manages daily aviation operational activities required under the contract, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of flight operations. The manager coordinates mission planning, aircrew scheduling, flight tracker, regulatory compliance, and operational reporting while maintaining seamless integration with Army Aviation procedures, FSN contract requirements, and government oversight.

• Execute aviation operational functions in support of FSN contract requirements, including flight scheduling, mission planning, aircrew assignments, and resource coordination.
• Ensure all contractor aviation operations comply with DoD, FAA, Army Aviation, and company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison between the contractor, the FSN government customer, Army Aviation units, and supporting organizations.
• Implement and maintain operational risk management processes, including hazard identification, mitigation strategies, and safety documentation required under the FSN contract.
• Oversee aircrew qualification tracking, training schedules, and currency requirements to maintain compliance with IERW training standards and contract deliverables.
• Develop, update, and enforce contractor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with Army Aviation doctrine and FSN program requirements.
• Prepare operational reports, metrics, and documentation required by the FSN government customer, audits, and contract oversight bodies.
• Support incident/accident response, reporting, and investigation activities in accordance with contract and regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership and supervision to operational personnel, ensuring performance standards and FSN contract deliverables are met.
• Assist with operational budget planning, resource forecasting, and procurement activities related to aviation operations under the FSN program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• In order to access Fort Rucker, US Citizenship is required.
• Prior DoD aviation operations experience (Army Aviation preferred; Air Force or Naval Aviation acceptable).
• Strong knowledge of military aviation procedures, mission planning, aircrew management, and operational risk management.
• Experience supporting or operating within a government aviation training contract.
• Proficiency with aviation scheduling systems, flight operations software, and mission-tracking tools.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with Army Aviation units, government agencies, and contracted aviation organizations.
• Understanding of FAA regulations applicable to government or military aviation operations.
• Strong communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, or related field; equivalent military experience may be considered.
• Experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aviation quality assurance programs.
• To access the Fort Rucker site, US…