Director of Operations

Abilene, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $73,100.00 - $131,200.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

matching 401(k) program

Paid Time Off

Medical Coverage

dental coverage

vision coverage

Job Description

Freeman Jet Center (FJC Charter) is a premier aviation service provider specializing in charter flight operations under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 regulations. As a well-established private aviation company, FJC Charter is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality charter flight services for a diverse clientele ranging from corporate executives to leisure travelers. FJC Charter's reputation is built on strict adherence to regulatory compliance, safety standards, and operational excellence, ensuring all clients experience personalized care combined with industry-leading professionalism and service. Operating through a certified FAR Part 135 certificate, FJC Charter maintains a fleet of aircraft that are meticulously inspected, maintained, and operated by experienced personnel, reinforcing the company’s commitment to superior flight operations.

The role of Director of Operations at FJC Charter is a critical executive-level position that holds overall authority and accountability for the company’s FAR Part 135 charter flight operations. This role reports directly to the General Manager and entails managing and overseeing the entire operations department while also functioning actively as a pilot. The Director of Operations serves as the accountable manager for resource allocation, ensuring optimal staffing, aircraft readiness, and compliance with regulatory and safety mandates required by the FAA and other governing bodies.

A significant portion of the Director of Operations’ responsibilities includes oversight and management of the FAA Part 135 certificate, ensuring all aircraft operated under this certificate meet stringent regulatory and operational standards. This executive supervises the Chief Pilot, develops and implements operational policies and procedures, and ensures that flight schedules and duty time records are properly maintained. Additionally, the Director must develop clear, actionable strategies that support overall business objectives, coordinating closely with the maintenance department to promptly address mechanical and operational issues.

This position demands someone with a proven aviation background, including extensive flight experience and leadership within Part 135 operations, emphasizing a blend of operational expertise, regulatory knowledge, and business acumen. The Director of Operations must be adept at handling complex situations, communicating effectively at all organizational levels, and fostering a culture of safety and quality through the Safety Management System (SMS). The individual in this role also acts as a liaison for FJC Charter with the FAA and third-party auditors, representing the company’s operational commitments and ensuring ongoing compliance with all aviation standards.

Given the high-stakes nature of the aviation industry, the Director of Operations position requires a detail-oriented, proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This role is reserved for an employee of FJC Charter, reflecting the company’s commitment to internal leadership development and operational continuity. The Director is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, coordination, and safety excellence while guiding the flight operations team toward ongoing success and regulatory adherence.

FJC Charter offers a competitive benefits package that includes a matching 401(k) program, paid time off, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, supporting the wellbeing and financial security of its employees. This position is pivotal to ensuring that the company’s charter flight operations run safely, smoothly, and in full compliance with all relevant FAA regulations, directly influencing the overall success and reputation of FJC Charter in the private aviation sector.

Job Requirements

Total time minimum 3000 hours total time
1200 hours pilot in command that includes 500 hours cross country time
100 hours of night time and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
Prior FAR Part 135 experience as Chief Pilot or Director of Operations
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or have equivalent years of professional aviation experience
Substantial business acumen
Clear, comprehensive understanding of the link between flight operations and business strategy
Ability to develop clear, actionable steps in support of an overall business strategy
Ability to coordinate and oversee relevant, effective training programs to targeted audiences
Ability to lead, engage, inspire, and influence people
High level of professionalism and self-confidence
Self-starter
Ability to use considerable discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with highly confidential information
Excellent coaching, counseling, and conflict resolution skills and abilities
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization using written, verbal, and presentation skills
Excellent customer service skills
Professional and positive disposition
Ability to diffuse tensions under stressful conditions
Good listener
Excellent organizational and project management skills
Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and quickly assess what needs to get done
Logical problem-solving ability with proficiency in solving practical problems and dealing with situations where only limited information or standards exist
Meet all required qualifications stated in CFR Part 119.71
Current and valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
Able to maintain a Second-Class Medical
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must be able to work as a part of a team in a high stress, fast paced environment
Highly motivated, organized, and attentive to detail
Extremely computer proficient and capable with financial spreadsheets
Knowledgeable of all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations
Able to read, write, and speak English
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
No violation of FAA regulations within the last five (5) years

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or have equivalent years of professional aviation experience
Prior FAR Part 135 experience as Chief Pilot or Director of Operations
Total time minimum 3000 hours total time, 1200 hours pilot in command that includes 500 hours cross country time, 100 hours of night time and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
Substantial business acumen
clear, comprehensive understanding of the link between flight operations and business strategy
Ability to develop clear, actionable steps in support of an overall business strategy
Ability to coordinate and oversee relevant, effective training programs to targeted audiences
Ability to lead, engage, inspire, and influence people
High level of professionalism and self-confidence
self-starter
Ability to use considerable discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with highly confidential information
Excellent coaching, counseling, and conflict resolution skills and abilities
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization using written, verbal, and presentation skills
Excellent customer service skills
professional and positive disposition
ability to diffuse tensions under stressful conditions
good listener
Excellent organizational and project management skills
self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and quickly assess what needs to get done
Logical problem-solving ability with proficiency in solving practical problems and dealing with situations where only limited information or standards exist
Meet all required qualifications stated in CFR Part 119.71
Current and valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
Able to maintain a Second-Class Medical
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must be able to work as a part of a team in a high stress, fast paced environment
Highly motivated, organized, and attentive to detail
Extremely computer proficient and capable with financial spreadsheets
Knowledgeable of all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations
Able to read, write, and speak English
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
No violation of FAA regulations within the last five (5) years

Job Duties

Acts as the accountable manager for allocating resources
Is responsible for oversight of the FAA Part 135 certificate
Is responsible for oversight of all aircraft on the FAA Part 135 certificate
Functions as the Director of Operations
Supervises the Chief Pilot
Develops and implements processes, policies, and procedures to ensure that all flight operations are conducted safely and in compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations Specifications, and Company policies
Oversees the development of flight schedules, and the retention of duty time / flight records