Director, Aviation Operations, Beaver Lake Aviation Operations

Walmart•Rogers, AR

4d•$195,000 - $370,000•Onsite

About The Position

Provides strategic leadership for Walmart Aviation's Fixed Base Operations organization, overseeing the vision, operating strategy, performance, and long-term evolution of ground operations, line service, hangar operations, fueling infrastructure, facilities, customer service operations, and aviation support services. This role is responsible for establishing the future-state operating model for Fixed Base Operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable support of Walmart Aviation's flight operations. The Director serves as a key member of the Aviation leadership team, driving organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, and enterprise-wide collaboration. This role is expected to fundamentally transform Walmart Aviation's Fixed Base Operations organization by replacing legacy processes with scalable, data-driven operating practices that improve efficiency, strengthen service delivery, reduce operational risk, and support future growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in management, aviation management, or related field and 5 years’ experience managing aviation fixed based operations or related field OR 7 years’ experience managing aviation fixed based operations or related field.
2 years' supervisory experience.
Experience leading complex operational improvement, organizational transformation, or change management initiatives.
Experience managing significant operating and capital budgets.

Nice To Haves

Corporate aviation or Part 91 flight department leadership experience.
Experience leading large-scale aviation, airport, or FBO operations.
Experience overseeing major infrastructure, facilities, or capital improvement projects.
Experience implementing operational excellence, Lean, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience leading aviation safety and compliance programs.
Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) or equivalent aviation industry certification.
Profit and Loss (P&L) Accountability

Responsibilities

Set the Strategic Direction for Fixed Base Operations: Develop and execute the long-term strategy and vision for Fixed Base Operations. Define future-state operating models, service standards, organizational structures, and operational processes that support business growth and evolving aviation needs. Ensure operational capabilities align with Walmart Aviation's strategic objectives. Evaluate emerging industry trends, technologies, and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness.
Lead Transformation and Operational Excellence: Lead significant transformation initiatives focused on modernizing and improving aviation ground operations. Evaluate existing processes, systems, and workflows to identify opportunities for simplification, standardization, automation, and efficiency. Redesign operating models and implement sustainable improvements that enhance productivity, scalability, customer experience, and cost effectiveness. Establish performance metrics, governance mechanisms, and accountability measures that drive continuous improvement. Foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and operational excellence across the organization.
Provide Executive Oversight of Aviation Operations: Provide strategic oversight for all Fixed Base Operations, including line service, hangar operations, customer service, fueling operations, facilities, and aviation support functions. Ensure consistent execution of operational standards, safety requirements, and service expectations. Evaluate operational performance and implement strategic actions to address risks, improve service, and optimize resources. Ensure staffing, infrastructure, and operational capabilities support both current and future business demands.
Lead Facility, Infrastructure, and Asset Strategy: Establish long-range plans for aviation facilities, hangars, fuel systems, fleet assets, and ground support equipment. Lead capital planning, infrastructure investments, and facility modernization efforts. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop scalable solutions that support operational readiness and long-term growth. Ensure effective lifecycle management of critical assets and operational infrastructure.
Drive Financial and Business Performance: Develop and oversee operating and capital budget strategies. Evaluate investments, contracts, and vendor relationships to maximize operational value and business outcomes. Identify opportunities to improve productivity and optimize costs while maintaining world-class safety and service standards. Establish financial performance measures and monitor results against strategic goals.
Champion Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management: Establish the strategic direction for safety, compliance, and operational risk management programs. Ensure adherence to FAA regulations, environmental requirements, airport regulations, and company policies. Oversee enterprise-level risk assessments, incident reviews, and corrective action strategies. Promote a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Build Organizational Capability: Lead and develop leaders responsible for fixed base operations functions. Drive succession planning, leadership development, and workforce strategies that support future business needs. Build a high-performing organization focused on accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, and innovation. Lead teams through organizational change while maintaining engagement and delivering business results.
Influence Across the Enterprise: Serve as a key strategic partner to Aviation leadership and enterprise stakeholders. Build strong relationships with airport authorities, regulatory agencies, vendors, and strategic partners. Influence cross-functional decisions impacting aviation operations, facilities, safety, customer experience, and long-term business strategy. Represent Walmart Aviation in industry forums and external partnerships when appropriate.
Manages financial performance and profitability by monitoring team service levels and program effectiveness; negotiating rates and service contracts with suppliers to provide competitive pricing and services and achieve profit and loss goals; evaluating supplier service level performance; and overseeing contract termination when service levels are not met.
Provides overall direction by analyzing business objectives and customer needs; developing, communicating, building support for, and implementing business strategies, plans, and practices; analyzing costs and forecasts and incorporating them into business plans; determining and supporting resource requirements; evaluating operational processes; measuring outcomes to ensure desired results; identifying and capitalizing on improvement opportunities; promoting a customer environment; and demonstrating adaptability and sponsoring continuous learning.
Ensures safe and efficient flight operations by developing processes for daily flight activities and contingencies for irregular operations; coordinating with teams to align scheduling, maintenance, and operations functions to ensure on-time performance; and collaborating and negotiating with customers in the scheduling and planning process.
Develops and implements strategies to attract and maintain a highly skilled and engaged workforce by diagnosing capability gaps; recruiting, selecting, and developing talent; supporting mentorship, workforce development, and succession planning; and leveraging the capabilities of new and existing talent.
Ensures compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations governing aviation activities by staying up-to-date on changes in regulations and the regulatory environment; translating regulations into actionable rules and procedures for associates; measuring and analyzing Aviation Department performance for compliance with relevant regulations; and developing remediation procedures if standards are not met.
Cultivates an environment where associates respect and adhere to company standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all programs and practices; developing consequences for violations or non-compliance; and supporting the Open Door Policy.
Manages strategies and policies to ensure safe and efficient flight operations by researching variables and issues that currently affect operations or safety; identifying and anticipating risks; developing recommendations, specific guidelines, and standard operating procedures based on research and analysis; collaborating with Corporate Aviation leadership to implement strategies and policies; and developing procedures and contingency plans for instances where strategies and policies conflict with operational realities.
Develops and leverages internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals by sponsoring and leading key community outreach and involvement initiatives; engaging key stakeholders in the development, execution, and evaluation of appropriate business plans and initiatives; and supporting associate efforts in these areas.
Directs emergency response planning, recovery, and business continuity efforts by identifying risks; selecting vendors; providing training for associates; negotiating and executing contracts with vendors; organizing drills and exercises; and assessing performance from drills and exercises.
Must be able to serve as a required flight crew member and operate company aircraft, as needed, to support business and operational requirements.
Provides overall direction by analyzing business objectives and customer needs; developing, communicating, building support for, and implementing business strategies, plans, and practices; analyzing costs and forecasts and incorporating them into business plans; determining and supporting resource requirements; evaluating operational processes; measuring outcomes to ensure desired results; identifying and capitalizing on improvement opportunities; promoting a customer environment; and demonstrating adaptability and sponsoring continuous learning.
Develops and implements strategies to attract and maintain a highly skilled and engaged workforce by diagnosing capability gaps; recruiting, selecting, and developing talent; supporting mentorship, workforce development, and succession planning; and leveraging the capabilities of new and existing talent.
Cultivates an environment where associates respect and adhere to company standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all programs and practices; developing consequences for violations or non-compliance; and supporting the Open Door Policy.
Develops and leverages internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals by sponsoring and leading key community outreach and involvement initiatives; engaging key stakeholders in the development, execution, and evaluation of appropriate business plans and initiatives; and supporting associate efforts in these areas.

Benefits

Medical, vision and dental coverage
401(k)
Stock purchase
Company-paid life insurance
PTO (including sick leave)
Parental leave
Family care leave
Bereavement
Jury duty
Voting
Short-term and long-term disability
Company discounts
Military Leave Pay
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates)