Director of Executive Aviation

New York Life Insurance Co•New York, NY

6d•$119,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Executive Aviation is responsible for the end-to-end operational and financial performance of the Executive Aviation Program, which is used almost exclusively by the most senior executives of the New York Life Insurance Company and members of its Board of Directors. Primary responsibilities include managing complex executive travel arrangements, serving as travelers’ primary contact, optimizing aircraft usage across vendor contracts, managing aircraft vendor relationships and contracts, and serving as the company’s subject matter expert on the program. This role requires experience with and extensive knowledge of private aviation travel operations, vendor partnerships, and the travel industry to ensure seamless, secure, and cost-effective travel experiences that adhere to company and contractual requirements. It further requires periodic traveler support outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in alignment with executive and Board travel schedules.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in corporate travel consulting or corporate aircraft / aviation program management, with a focus on senior executive travel in a large organization.
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Aviation Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to manage complex travel needs under pressure.
Must be available to provide support outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in alignment with executive and Board travel schedules.
Strong understanding of corporate aircraft programs, vendor contracts, travel policies, expense management, and compliance requirements.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including forecasting, variance analysis, and usage optimization.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Nice To Haves

Proven track record of managing executive and Board-level travel with a high level of discretion in handling sensitive information.
Experience managing private or corporate aircraft programs, including vendor and contract management.
Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment.
Strong negotiation skills to help secure advantageous vendor and aircraft contracts.

Responsibilities

Holistically manage the Executive Aviation Program to ensure financial and operational efficiency, in part by proactively anticipating potential issues before they impact travelers or program performance.
Serve as the company’s subject matter expert on the Executive Aviation Program, advising leadership on program performance, options, best practices, and opportunities for improvement.
Monitor industry trends, technology advancements, and best practices in corporate aviation and travel, and recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and optimize traveler satisfaction.
Manage aircraft vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring vendor service and performance meet or exceed contractual terms and/or corporate standards.
Monitor vendor performance and contractual obligations, addressing issues and identifying opportunities for improved value.
Serve as an effective advocate for the company and appropriately challenge vendors, as necessary.
Coordinate domestic and international travel, including flights, accommodations, ground transportation, catering, and other logistics, while prioritizing traveler comfort, preferences, and cost-effectiveness. Coordinate charter flights, as necessary.
Optimize the financial and operational usage of the aircraft across vendor contracts when planning and booking flights. Monitor program expenses, identifying opportunities for cost optimization. Ensure compliance with contractual and company requirements.
Anticipate potential travel disruptions, providing alternative options to ensure seamless travel experiences
Interpret and apply company and contractual requirements, ensuring adherence to safety, security, and expense guidelines. Address non-compliance by providing travelers with guidance and support to ensure understanding and policy alignment.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor for aircraft and travel-related needs and inquiries.
Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated aircraft and travel issues no matter when they arise. Provide real-time support and assistance, ensuring timely resolution of urgent traveler concerns, especially during high-stakes situations. Assist with the resolution of travel disruptions by exploring alternative itineraries or services and communicating directly with senior executives and Board members promptly and effectively to provide updates on travel and program changes.
Systematically gather feedback post-travel to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
Develop aircraft usage forecasts by vendor and aircraft to support planning and expense projections.
Provide monthly reporting showing aircraft usage by traveler, aircraft, and vendor; variance against forecasted usage; and unused hours by aircraft and vendor.
Provide year-end reporting to support the administration and oversight of the Executive Aviation Program, executive perquisites, and related income tax impacts of each.
Track program expenditures, compile reports on aircraft activity, and analyze trends to support strategic decision-making.
Provide actionable insights regarding cost-saving measures and opportunities to enhance the corporate aircraft experience.