Key Responsibilities
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Safety Culture: Champion a safety-first culture throughout all operations, ensuring
compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and industry best
practices
- Risk Management: Develop comprehensive risk assessment protocols for aerial
operations, including weather evaluation, airspace coordination and emergency
response procedures
- Regulatory Oversight: Maintain current knowledge of aviation regulations, geospatial
industry standards and environmental compliance requirements
- Audit & Certification: Coordinate internal and external safety audits, maintain
necessary certifications and ensure continuous compliance with regulatory requirements
- Training Programs: Implement ongoing safety training and professional development
programs for flight crews and technical staff
Operations Management & Strategic Leadership
- Operational Excellence: Oversee all operational aspects of aerial survey missions,
from flight planning and data collection to processing and client delivery
- Process Optimization: Develop and implement standardized operating procedures
(SOPs) for survey operations, aviation maintenance and quality assurance protocols
- Resource Management: Optimize aircraft and sensor utilization, crew scheduling and
other equipment deployment to maximize operational efficiency and profitability across
all business units
- Technology Integration: Lead adoption of advanced surveying technologies, including
LiDAR systems, photogrammetry equipment and real-time data processing software
- Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for
operational efficiency, project delivery timelines and client satisfaction across all
divisions
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Leadership Excellence: Provide strategic direction and operational leadership to
department heads
- Acquisition Integration: Lead operational integration of future acquisitions, ensuring
seamless alignment of processes, systems and corporate culture while maximizing
synergies
- Talent Development: Build and mentor high-performing teams across all aviation
divisions, fostering professional growth and technical expertise
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate effective communication and coordination
between operations, manufacturing, sales, engineering, R&D and administrative
departments
- Culture Building: Promote a collaborative, innovation-driven culture that emphasizes
quality, safety and client satisfaction across all business units
- Change Management: Lead organizational change initiatives to support business
growth, operational improvements and successful integration of acquired companies
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or
related field; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation, aerospace or
geospatial industries
- Proven track record of managing complex operations with multiple aircraft, crews and
technical systems
- Experience with aerial survey, mapping or remote sensing operations strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience in mergers & acquisitions integration or multi-division
operational management
Technical Competencies
- Aviation Knowledge: Deep understanding of aviation operations, aircraft systems and
flight safety protocols
- Regulatory Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of FAA regulations, particularly Part
91 and Part 135 operations
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with aerial surveying technologies, GIS systems,
data processing workflows and UAV sensor technologies
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with
varying technical requirements and timelines across diverse business units
Leadership & Management Skills
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute operational strategies that align with
business objectives across multiple business units
- Integration Leadership: Proven experience in successfully integrating acquired
companies, including cultural alignment, process harmonization and synergy realization
- Team Building: Proven success in building, leading and developing high-performance
technical teams across diverse operational environments
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to
interface effectively with clients, regulators, partners and internal stakeholders
- Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with experience in
crisis management, operational troubleshooting and complex multi-division challenges
Preferred Qualifications
- Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating
- Previous experience with Part 135 air carrier operations
- Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or aviation management
- Experience with international operations and regulatory frameworks
- Background in surveying, mapping or geospatial data analysis
- M&A integration experience or corporate development background
- Experience with UAV/drone technologies and sensor systems
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience,
including:
- Base salary range: $180,000 - $250,000 annually
- Performance-based bonus structure
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible
Reporting Structure
The VP reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a member of the executive
leadership team. This position has direct oversight of:
- Flight Operations Directors
- Aviation Maintenance Director
Growth Opportunities
This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within our expanding
organization. As we continue to diversify our service offerings, expand into new markets and
pursue strategic acquisitions, the VP will play a pivotal role in shaping our operational strategy
and driving business success. The position provides exposure to cutting-edge fixed-wing and
UAV technologies and M&A activities, positioning the successful candidate for potential
advancement to CEO or other executive roles within our growing enterprise.
This position description reflects the current requirements and may be modified as business
needs evolve. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in our
workforce.
