Director of Operations

HELISERVICE USA LLC • North Kingstown, RI

46d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Operations (DO) holds overall and direct responsibility for all helicopter operations and for all matters pertaining to operational control as required by FAR 135.77. The DO ensures that HeliService USA’s (HSUSA) flight operations are conducted in accordance with HSUSA's FAA-authorized Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), and that all employees comply with the requirements of all FAA-approved manuals and FAA-issued OpSpecs, including deviations and exemptions. Beyond these regulatory responsibilities, the DO serves as the senior operational leader for the flight operations side of the business, accountable for planning and resourcing the operation, meeting customer demands and contractual commitments, and delivering safe, reliable, and compliant service. Above all, the DO sets the tone for a strong safety culture in which the safety of the operation is the number one priority.

Requirements

• Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate and, if an instrument rating is required for any pilot in command at the certificate holder, also hold an instrument rating.
• Have at least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience within the last 6 years in a position that exercised operational control over operations conducted under Part 121 or Part 135; or
• As a person becoming a Director of Operations for the first time, have at least 3 years of experience within the past 6 years as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under Part 121 or Part 135; or
• As a person with previous Director of Operations experience, have at least 3 years of experience as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under Part 121 or Part 135.
• Resume will be kept on file with the FSDO (Flight Standards District Office).
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to travel to company bases.
• Background / DOT requirements as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum 10 years of aviation experience.
• Experience in HAA, offshore, hoisting / human external cargo, and/or SAR helicopter operations strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of HeliOffshore and IOGP standards and of customer aviation requirements.
• Proven leadership of operational teams and a track record of successfully passing FAA and customer audits.

Responsibilities

• Exercise operational control for all HSUSA flight operations in accordance with FAR 135.77.
• Ensure all flight operations are conducted in accordance with HSUSA's FAA-authorized OpSpecs.
• Ensure all HSUSA employees comply with the requirements of all FAA-approved manuals and the FAA-issued OpSpecs, including deviations and exemptions.
• Ensure HSUSA conformance to the FAA and all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Ensure employees have access to the full set of HSUSA OpSpecs, references, and mandatory compliance requirements, and keep them informed of how these affect their duties.
• Establish, modify, and enforce program policies and procedures, and ensure HSUSA conformance to the FAA.
• Exercise authority over all matters pertaining to operational control and over the managers and personnel the DO supervises.
• Discharge all assigned duties to meet legal requirements and maintain safe operations.
• Build and sustain a proactive safety culture in which the safety of the operation is always the first priority.
• Work closely with the Safety Manager to support the Safety Management System (SMS) and the ongoing improvement of operational safety.
• Directly supervise the Chief Pilot, Chief Aircrewman, Pilot Base Leads, and Chief Communications Specialist.
• Work with the Chief Pilot to recruit, hire, and adequately staff open pilot positions in support of operational and customer demands.
• Work closely with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) to ensure aircraft availability and that customer requirements are met.
• Oversee helicopter operational and administrative functions, as well as general aviation security functions.
• Hold accountability for the operational and financial performance of the flight operations side of the business.
• Drive the day-to-day delivery of flight operations, planning and allocating crews and aircraft to meet customer demands, contractual commitments, and service expectations.
• Work with and enable the Chief Communications Specialist and Communications Center personnel to manage customer demands, scheduling, and mission coordination.
• Ensure operations comply with customer aviation requirements, including HeliOffshore and IOGP-aligned standards.
• Work with commercial team to understand customer requirements & operational demands.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while participating in regularly scheduled customer meetings and check-ins.
• Ensure flight operations successfully pass customer and FAA audits.
• Maintain the General Operations Manual (GOM), Training Manual, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), and OpSpecs in current condition, and ensure they remain accessible to the pilots.
• Ensure all flight publications are received on time, distributed to the bases, and placed in each aircraft.

Benefits

• group medical, dental, and vision insurance
• voluntary coverage options such as life, short-term disability, accident, and cancer insurance
• company’s 401(k) plan following the standard waiting period
• Paid time off (PTO) for 5/2 schedule employees is 15 days annually

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed