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, dynamic aviation environments
Why Join National Aviation Services (NAS)?
National Aviation Services is a recognized leader in aviation support services, partnering with major airlines across the United States. NAS is committed to operational excellence, safety leadership, and delivering superior service to our airline partners.
Joining NAS provides the opportunity to:
- Lead large-scale aviation operations across multiple airports
- Influence operational strategy and organizational performance
- Work alongside experienced aviation and executive leadership teams
- Contribute to a growing, industry-leading aviation services organization
- Advance your career in executive aviation operations leadership
National Aviation Services (NAS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
National Aviation Services is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment extends beyond preventing discrimination and harassment; it’s about creating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued. We believe in the power of our people, the ideas they bring, and what we can accomplish together.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all state & federal requirements, it is the policy of National Aviation Services to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. National Aviation Services also provides reasonable accommodations as required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Recruitment Team 813-425-1985.
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