Director Inflight Base Operations

Endeavor Air • Minneapolis, MN

1d • $130,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Inflight Operations is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for assigned Inflight Operations functions and Flight Attendant bases. This position oversees safety performance, operational reliability, customer experience, labor relations, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance across a geographically dispersed operation. The Director develops and executes initiatives to achieve performance objectives in the areas of Safety, Customer Experience, Operational Performance, Financial Performance, Employee Engagement, Flight Attendant Dependability, and Regulatory Compliance. This position partners closely with operational and corporate stakeholders to ensure consistent execution of departmental strategies and company objectives. This position is expected to build organizational capability by developing leaders, strengthening succession pipelines, and creating sustainable operational performance through others. Success in this role requires balancing operational, safety, financial, employee, customer, and labor considerations while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Director, Inflight Operations leads through influence, accountability, and collaboration. The position reports directly to the Vice President, Inflight Services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Aviation, Management, Human Resources, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Seven (7) or more years of airline operations experience, preferably within a Part 121 environment.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience leading leaders and geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience working in a unionized work environment.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, operational specifications, and airline operational requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve performance, and drive results.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to work additional hours and travel when operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

• Director-level leadership experience within an airline or transportation environment.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations or labor strategy initiatives.
• Experience with organizational redesign, workforce planning, or operational transformation initiatives.
• Experience utilizing operational and workforce analytics to improve business performance.
• Previous Inflight leadership experience within a Part 121 airline operation.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for assigned Inflight Operations functions and domiciles.
• Provides leadership and oversight of Flight Attendant base operations and operational support functions.
• Establishes and executes operational initiatives designed to meet or exceed department performance goals.
• Reviews operational performance metrics and develops action plans to improve results.
• Leads operational readiness efforts associated with growth initiatives, staffing changes, and organizational changes.
• Participates in daily operational reviews and cross-functional planning activities.
• Represents Inflight Services during operational and executive-level meetings.
• Conducts regular base visits to ensure visibility, engagement, and operational consistency.
• Ensures compliance with FAA regulations, company policies, operational specifications, and departmental standards.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding Company policy, Flight Attendant Manual requirements, FAA regulations, and operational specifications.
• Partners with Safety, Training, and operational leaders to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Supports company safety initiatives and promotes a strong safety culture throughout the operation.
• Ensures consistent compliance with all regulatory and company requirements.
• Directly leads and develops Inflight Operations leaders and support staff.
• Establishes clear expectations, accountability standards, and measurable performance objectives.
• Coaches, develops, mentors, and evaluates operational leaders.
• Builds succession plans and leadership development strategies to strengthen organizational capability.
• Creates an environment that promotes engagement, teamwork, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Leads organizational change initiatives and supports enterprise transformation efforts.
• Supports administration and consistent application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Partners with Labor Relations, Human Resources, and operational leaders regarding employee relations matters.
• Participates in grievance reviews, investigations, disciplinary processes, and labor-management discussions.
• Maintains productive and professional relationships with union leadership.
• Ensures fair, consistent, and compliant application of company policies and contractual provisions.
• Develops and implements strategic initiatives supporting departmental and company objectives.
• Utilizes operational, financial, customer, and employee data to guide decision-making.
• Identifies trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, service delivery, and employee experience.
• Champions innovation, technology adoption, and process modernization efforts.
• Supports development and execution of departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of company resources.
• Partners with Flight Operations, Airport Operations, Crew Services, Crew Planning, Safety, Human Resources, Finance, Customer Experience, and other operational stakeholders.
• Coordinates activities across departments to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Supports company-wide initiatives and operational priorities.
• Represents Inflight Services at industry meetings, operational reviews, and external events as assigned.
• Maintains Flight Attendant qualifications and attends required training events.
• Can involve long periods of sitting and computer work in a typical office environment subject to critical deadlines.
• Can work in aircraft, classroom, operational, and office environments.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Free or reduced-rate travel privileges on Delta Air Lines and 80+ air carriers worldwide for employees and eligible family members
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 401(k) with Company Match starting on Day 1
• Operational Performance Rewards (OPR) Program
• Life and AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and voluntary supplementary benefit options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director