Director of Operations

Wheels Up • , AK

12d • $223,000 - $263,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Wheels Up is hiring a Director of Flight Operations to manage flight crews, establish and implement flight operations policies and procedures, and ensure regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Vice President of Flight Operations, the role also serves as an active flight crew member who maintains required qualifications and currency and supports flight operations as needed. The position is based in Anchorage, Alaska, or Chamblee, Georgia, and is hybrid. Employees who do not reside in the PANC area must spend at least one week per month assigned to the Maintenance Operations Center, subject to approved flexibility provisions.

The Director may exercise operational control over aircraft operations when that authority is delegated by the Vice President of Flight Operations. The role oversees daily operational safety and efficiency, supervises the Chief Pilot office, maintains crew qualifications and regulatory records, and liaises with the FAA. It also leads and develops flight operations personnel, coordinates with Maintenance, supports strategic planning, and works to deliver strong service to the company and its customers.

The role requires an ATP certificate with a GIV type rating, applicable qualifications under 14 CFR Part 119, and at least three years within the past six years as PIC of a large turbine-powered aircraft operated under FAR Part 121 or Part 135. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement; a related bachelor's degree is preferred. Compensation is $223,000–$263,000 per year, depending on qualifications and other factors, with possible eligibility for a discretionary annual incentive program.

Requirements

• Meet applicable requirements of 14 CFR Part 119 to serve as Director of Operations for the company's operating certificates.
• Hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with a GIV type rating.
• Have at least three years of experience within the past six years as Pilot in Command of a large turbine-powered aircraft operated under FAR Part 121 or Part 135.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and management experience overseeing flight crews, flight operations personnel, or aviation operations teams.
• Have extensive knowledge of FAA regulations, Company Operations Manuals, Operations Specifications, Flight Manuals, and other applicable operational requirements.
• Be able to develop, implement, and maintain flight operations policies and procedures while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety.
• Be able to oversee crew qualification, training, currency, and duty-position requirements.
• Have strong decision-making, problem-solving, and risk-management skills in a complex operational environment.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with the FAA, company leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Have strong interpersonal, collaboration, and customer relationship skills, and the ability to maintain effective working relationships across departments.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Be able to meet hybrid work requirements, including a minimum of one week per month assigned to the Maintenance Operations Center if residing outside the Anchorage (PANC) area, subject to approved flexibility provisions.
• Be able to maintain currency in a company aircraft type through monthly flying, as scheduling permits.
• Have at least a high school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience serving as a Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, or in a comparable senior flight operations leadership role.
• Experience overseeing FAR Part 135 or Part 121 flight operations, including multi-aircraft or multi-fleet environments.
• Experience managing FAA certificate requirements, Operations Specifications, regulatory audits, and FAA liaison activities.
• Experience developing and revising Company Operations Manuals, standard operating procedures, and operational policies.
• Experience managing incident and accident reporting, investigations, and required follow-up with the FAA, NTSB, or other applicable agencies.
• Experience developing operational metrics, scorecards, performance objectives, and strategic initiatives.
• Experience leading employee performance management, coaching, professional development, and succession planning.
• Experience collaborating with Maintenance, Training, Safety, and other operational departments to support aircraft availability, crew readiness, and safe operations.
• Demonstrated ability to balance regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, customer service, and business objectives.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant aviation leadership experience and professional training may be considered where appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Exercise operational control over aircraft operations when authority is delegated by the Vice President of Flight Operations.
• Maintain currency in a company aircraft type through monthly flying, as scheduling permits.
• Ensure safe and efficient daily operations.
• Organize and provide management supervision of the Chief Pilot office.
• Ensure crew members remain current and qualified for their assigned duty positions.
• Maintain liaison with the FAA and review applicable FAA regulations to ensure flight operations compliance.
• Maintain FAA-required Flight Operations Department records, including Operations Specifications.
• Revise and distribute assigned Company Operations Manuals and Operations Specifications.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Ensure prompt reporting, filing, and follow-up on incident and accident reports to the appropriate agencies, including the FAA and NTSB.
• Provide leadership and direction to flight operations personnel.
• Ensure high levels of customer service for the company and its customers.
• Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance regarding aircraft equipment, configuration, and status.
• Assist senior management with strategic development of flight operations.
• Provide direction, coaching, and professional development to employees, focusing on individual and team growth.
• Build individual and team competencies through ongoing feedback and thorough annual performance evaluations.
• Conduct performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Establish individual and team goals and objectives, and develop metrics and scorecards to monitor progress.
• Use appropriate methods to build a cohesive team and facilitate achievement of team goals.
• Administer counseling, commendation, or disciplinary actions when necessary, with proper documentation.
• Perform other duties or special projects assigned by the Vice President of Flight Operations or higher authority.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive 401(k).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Complimentary access to mental health and wellness counseling through Spring Health.
• Financial planning assistance.
• Additional programs and services in support of total well-being.
• Potential eligibility for a discretionary annual incentive program rewarding individual and organizational performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: High school or GED