Signature Aviation · 1 week ago
Area Director, Operations
Dallas, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
7+ years expSignature Aviation is the largest global network of private aviation terminals, dedicated to delivering safe and elevated experiences. The Area Director, Operations is responsible for strategic oversight and management of field-based operations, focusing on safety, service, and financial performance while leading teams to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.
Airlines/Aviation
Responsibilities
Operates with a holistic understanding of Signature’s strategic pillars/values, base operations, and cross-functionality
Develops, in coordination with location management, Regional VP, and Field Support Center, go-forward strategies, both short-term and long-term, to ward off business threats and capitalize on growth opportunities
Embodies Signature values by role modeling behaviors and business ethics in all dealings
Promotes and holds teams accountable for all expectations for each location and mentors MGM/GMs (Market General Managers/General Managers) on how to take action to improve KPI performance
Keeps current on market trends/data and competitor information and partners with MGM/GM and Field Support Center functions to execute the growth plan to increase market share and drive EBIDTA performance across their locations
Invests time with MGM/GMs on techniques and strategies to improve airport and community relations by meeting with local authorities, airport board members, airport management, governmental officials, and representatives of airlines and key customers, including regular check-ins during base visits at sites in their area to build strong working relationships and awareness of the needs of the community
Promotes Signature programs and products across all locations designed to generate additional revenue and customer loyalty
Delivers a consistent guest experience, assessing FBOs on guest service and performance in meeting brand expectations to build a guest-centric, performance-based culture
Empower MGM/GMs to create a culture that promotes guest loyalty by creating a culture focused on increasing team member engagement levels
Responsible for talent review, succession planning, and local talent development programs, which includes identifying strong performers at all levels of the FBO operation, taking an active role in their development supported by HR resources, and actively addressing those who underperform in their area
Develops and coaches MGM/GMs as leaders, holding them accountable for executing Company strategy and ensuring team members have the resources, training, and tools they need to operate efficiently/safely
Cultivates strong relationships with Signature Field Support Center leaders to improve financial and operational performance, standards adherence, and organizational innovation
Builds a safety-first culture among their bases by communicating expectations, monitoring safety metrics to identify gaps, working with the MGM/GM to build and execute development plans/training, and reinforcing adherence to all SOPs
Conducts regular base visits to their locations, including using various checklists, audit tools and follow up processes to ensure their sites comply with all applicable safety, service, and brand standards
Ensures local procedures have been established for use in aircraft accidents, fires, or other emergencies in coordination with regional health/safety/security and environmental teams
Links operational performance and metrics to financial outcomes and communicates and shares key drivers, results, and action plans across their team to improve consistency and elevate performance
Embraces new procedures or initiatives, communicating how they benefit the team, stakeholders, and guests
Provides oversight and coaching to MGM/GMs to maintain proper staffing levels based on daily/weekly/monthly volumes, including coordination with Field Ops and HR teams when local labor resources or performance are deficient
Performs location MGM/GM duties on an interim basis should a base in their area be without an assigned MGM/GM or when the assigned base leader is unavailable due to vacation or other leave
Operates with flexibility to respond to questions or issues that emerge and supports MGM/GMs in challenging situations
Carries out all management responsibilities following the organization’s policies and applicable laws and regulations
Other duties as requested or assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university or seven (7) to ten (10) years related experience and/or training
Experience managing complex field-based operations; multi-site experience preferred
Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines
Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions, including finance, guest service, and employee management; experience with large account customers a plus
Strong operational decision-making with the ability to implement processes that provide growth and efficiency while supporting shifting business demands. Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills, backed by previous professional success with the ability to lead and influence large teams
Strong negotiation skills for both internal and external purposes
Experience in real estate including, but not limited to, leases, contracts, and negotiations
Experience in developing and managing budgets
Strong working knowledge of performance metrics with the ability to analyze and interpret data through Power BI and other company reporting methods
At least Five (5) years related aviation management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Strong ability to work in a cross-functional organization
Strong computer and presentation skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business financial statements, key performance indicators, business and real estate contracts, and airport and governmental regulations
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Monitors and controls expenses, labor hours, and fuel inventory
Ability to travel regularly, recommended 60-75%, and must live in a hub city and travel to locations via direct flight
Benefits
Medical/prescription drug, dental, and vision Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k)
Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance
Identity Theft and Legal Services
Paid time off
Paid Maternity Leave
Tuition reimbursement
Training and Development
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Perks
Company
Signature Aviation
Signature Aviation is the world’s preeminent aviation hospitality company, offering exceptional experiences and essential support services to business and private aviation guests.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tony Lefebvre
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Eshoo
Chief Financial Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase