Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Columbia Helicopters•Aurora, OR

About The Position

We are seeking a proven, high-impact Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and transform the operational engine of a complex heavy-lift helicopter organization. This executive will own performance across Flight Operations, MRO, Aircraft Solutions, Supply Chain, Planning, Quality, Safety, IT, Engineering Support, and Program Management. This is not a maintenance role. This is a turnaround and execution mandate. The COO will be expected to quickly assess operational performance, reset accountability, strengthen discipline, and deliver measurable improvements in safety, productivity, cost structure, customer performance, and financial results.

Requirements

15+ years of senior leadership experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, or complex industrial operations
Executive experience leading multi-functional operational organizations
Demonstrated success driving turnarounds, restructures, or major performance transformations
Deep experience in regulated environments (FAA/EASA/CAA or equivalent)
Strong financial acumen with ability to link operations to P&L performance
Proven ability to make difficult decisions and lead through change
Direct, credible, and decisive
Highly structured and disciplined
Comfortable driving accountability
Calm under pressure
Data-driven and execution-focused
Respected by frontline teams
Unwilling to accept excuses in place of results

Nice To Haves

Experience in rotorcraft, heavy-lift aviation, defense aviation, or special mission operations
Experience overseeing both MRO and Flight Operations
Experience in globally distributed or expeditionary operations
Experience with OEM partnerships, aircraft completions, or STC programs

Responsibilities

P&L Ownership
Manage the overall profitability and financial health of the aircraft solutions division.
Develop and execute strategies to meet or exceed revenue, profit, and cost targets.
Analyze key financial and operational metrics to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
Enterprise Operational Leadership
Full ownership of all operational organizations, including Air Ops, MRO, Aircraft Solutions, Supply Chain, Planning, Quality, Safety, IT, and related functions.
Establish clear accountability, performance expectations, and operating rhythm across senior operational leaders.
Drive integration and eliminate silos between operational teams.
Turnaround & Performance Improvement
Identify execution gaps and implement corrective action quickly.
Lead organizational restructuring where needed to improve effectiveness.
Introduce data-driven management, clear KPIs, and disciplined performance reviews.
Deliver visible operational improvements within the first 90–180 days.
Financial & Business Impact
Own operational performance in partnership with Finance.
Improve labor productivity, asset utilization, and throughput.
Drive cost discipline while maintaining uncompromising safety and compliance standards.
Ensure headcount and operating structure align to business reality.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Serve as executive champion for Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Management System (QMS).
Ensure continuous compliance with FAA, EASA, CAA, ITAR, and applicable global regulations.
Maintain audit readiness and reinforce a strong safety culture.
Customer & External Credibility
Restore and strengthen trust with key customers, partners, and regulators.
Act as executive escalation point for critical customer or operational issues.
Represent the company with credibility across commercial, government, and humanitarian stakeholders.
Culture & Leadership
Build a culture of ownership, execution, and accountability.
Reward performance, address underperformance, and develop strong leadership bench strength.
Engage meaningfully with frontline teams (pilots, mechanics, engineers, planners, field crews).