Director, Base Operations

NORTHERN JET MANAGEMENT INC•Orlando, FL

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of FBO Operations & Facilities is responsible for leading and standardizing all FBO, line service, and facility operations across the company’s three bases: Grand Rapids, Michigan; Orlando, Florida; and Naples, Florida. This position will be based in Orlando and will oversee the safe, efficient, consistent, and professional execution of line service and facility operations at each location. The Director will ensure that all bases operate under aligned procedures, service expectations, safety standards, training requirements, facility standards, and accountability measures. This role is ideal for a hands-on aviation leader who understands FBO operations, aircraft ground handling, facilities oversight, team leadership, customer service, and the importance of creating consistency across multiple locations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of 5–7 years of aviation operations, FBO, line service, airport operations, facilities, or aircraft ground support experience.
Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership or management experience.
Strong understanding of aircraft ground handling, fueling, towing, ramp safety, hangar operations, and FBO service expectations.
Experience overseeing multiple teams, locations, or operational functions preferred.
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and airport badging requirements.
Ability to travel regularly between company bases.
Strong working knowledge of safety procedures, OSHA standards, environmental requirements, fuel handling procedures, and airport operations.
Ability to work flexible hours as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience leading FBO, line service, ramp, or aviation facility operations in a fast-paced private aviation environment.
Comfortable being both strategic and hands-on.
Ability to create SOPs, build training programs, manage vendors, oversee facilities, coach supervisors, and step onto the ramp when needed.
Strong leader who can assess what is working, identify gaps, and create alignment across locations without disrupting daily operations.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee FBO, line service, and facility operations across Grand Rapids, Orlando, and Naples.
Establish consistent operating standards across all bases.
Serve as the primary leader for base-level line service and facility performance.
Partner with operations, maintenance, client services, flight crews, and executive leadership to ensure facility and ground support needs are met.
Conduct regular site visits to evaluate operations, team performance, facility condition, safety compliance, and service standards.
Identify gaps between locations and implement solutions to create consistency.
Support company growth by building scalable processes for future operational needs.
Oversee all line service operations, including aircraft fueling, towing, marshalling, wing walking, ramp movement, hangar movement, lavatory service, potable water service, GPU usage, and aircraft staging.
Ensure all aircraft ground handling is performed safely and in accordance with company procedures, manufacturer guidance, and industry best practices.
Standardize line service procedures across all three bases.
Ensure each location has proper shift coverage, supervision, equipment readiness, and operational accountability.
Partner with base leaders and line supervisors to support daily operations and resolve service or staffing challenges.
Monitor line service performance and ensure timely, professional support for aircraft, crews, passengers, maintenance, and vendors.
Develop and maintain expectations for ramp cleanliness, hangar organization, aircraft presentation, and operational readiness.
Oversee the condition, cleanliness, functionality, and professional appearance of company facilities at all three bases.
Ensure hangars, offices, lounges, ramp areas, fuel farms, storage areas, maintenance spaces, and customer-facing areas are maintained to company standards.
Develop and implement facility inspection standards and checklists.
Coordinate facility repairs, vendor relationships, preventative maintenance, and improvement projects.
Ensure each base maintains a clean, safe, organized, and brand-aligned environment.
Partner with leadership to prioritize facility upgrades, maintenance needs, and capital improvement planning.
Support emergency preparedness, snow removal planning, storm readiness, and facility response procedures as applicable by location.
Create, implement, and maintain standardized SOPs for line service, facilities, ramp operations, hangar operations, equipment use, inspections, cleaning standards, and daily readiness.
Ensure all bases follow consistent training, documentation, communication, and accountability processes.
Identify inefficiencies and recommend operational improvements.
Develop scalable procedures that support company growth and multi-base alignment.
Create scorecards, checklists, or reporting tools to measure base performance.
Champion a strong safety-first culture across all FBO, line service, and facility operations.
Ensure compliance with company policies, FAA regulations, OSHA standards, environmental standards, fuel handling requirements, and airport rules.
Oversee fuel quality control processes, spill prevention, equipment inspections, and hazard reporting.
Ensure safety meetings, training, incident reporting, and corrective actions are completed consistently.
Review accidents, incidents, service failures, or safety concerns and implement preventative measures.
Ensure all team members use proper PPE and follow safe work practices.
Partner with safety and compliance leadership to support audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead, coach, and support line service and facilities team members across all bases.
Provide guidance and accountability to Line Supervisors, Line Service Technicians, Facilities personnel, and other assigned team members.
Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for line and facilities roles.
Create a consistent training program for all line service and facilities employees.
Develop team members through coaching, hands-on training, performance feedback, and career development.
Promote professionalism, accountability, teamwork, urgency, and service excellence.
Ensure staffing levels and schedules support business needs at each location.
Ensure all FBO and facility operations support a high-end private aviation experience.
Maintain professional, clean, and welcoming environments for clients, guests, crews, vendors, and employees.
Ensure line service and facilities teams understand their impact on customer experience.
Partner with Client Services and Flight Operations to support arrivals, departures, special requests, events, and VIP movements.
Establish service standards that reflect the company’s brand, values, and expectations.
Address service concerns promptly and professionally.
Oversee the readiness, maintenance, and proper use of ground support equipment, fuel trucks, tugs, GPUs, lav carts, vehicles, tools, and facility equipment.
Ensure equipment inspection programs are consistently followed across all bases.
Partner with vendors for repairs, service contracts, facility maintenance, janitorial support, landscaping, snow removal, pest control, and other operational needs.
Review equipment needs and make recommendations for replacement, repair, or capital investment.
Maintain consistency in equipment standards and operational readiness across locations.
Support budgeting for FBO operations, line service, facilities, equipment, supplies, repairs, and capital improvements.
Monitor spending and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or service.
Review staffing needs, vendor costs, maintenance expenses, and equipment investments.
Partner with leadership to plan for future base needs and growth.
Ensure resources are allocated effectively across all three locations.

Benefits

80% Company-Paid Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with access to nationwide provider networks
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
Health Savings Account (HSA) option with tax-advantaged savings
Wellness Programs & Discounts including LifeMart and exclusive ID90 Travel deals
Paid Time Off starting at 2 weeks PTO plus 1 week of paid sick time annually
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (company-paid)
Voluntary Benefits including accident, critical illness, identity theft protection, and hospital indemnity plans
401(k) plan with a 3% company match
Short- and Long-Term Disability (company-paid)
Additional Lifestyle Perks and travel discounts designed for the aviation industry