General Manager

Vantage Aviation•Rifle, CO

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Vantage Aviation is a fully integrated, multi-vertical business aviation firm that specializes in all things’ private aviation. Hangar leasing, fuel and ground handling support, aircraft management and charter services, flight training schools, and turbine maintenance services are all within our scope of capability and expertise. Vantage Aviation is a private equity-backed, fully integrated business aviation firm pursuing FBO, MRO, and 135 charter acquisitions and development opportunities throughout North America. We seek opportunities where airport sponsors and their aviation stakeholders can benefit from our highly integrated, full-service offering. Our menus of services meet the highest Minimum Standards of Service within the industry, allowing us to provide a better service for all those who enjoy the benefits of general and business aviation. The General Manager (GM) is expected to be an exceptional relationship builder, dedicated to providing front-line leadership for a world-class customer service and safety-oriented operations team. This includes overseeing safe ramp operations in cold climate environments, with a strong understanding of winter weather challenges and their impact on aircraft handling, ground support operations, safety protocols, and customer service delivery. The GM will foster positive relationships with customers, pilots, passengers, senior staff, airport sponsors, and regulatory agencies while leading teams effectively through demanding seasonal conditions. The successful candidate must maintain the highest standards of safety, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction at all times. The General Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the FBO and will drive strong business results through operational excellence, team development, and business growth initiatives. This position has full profit and loss responsibility for the location and plays a critical role in the ongoing development of the operation.

Requirements

3+ years of FBO management experience, including direct leadership responsibility in cold climate or winter weather operating environments
5+ years of overall managerial experience
Demonstrated knowledge of winter aviation operations, including aircraft deicing procedures, snow and ice mitigation, ramp safety standards, and operational continuity planning during severe weather events
Demonstrated ability to interact with senior-level executives
Ability to exercise independent judgment in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
High integrity with excellent critical thinking skills
Ability to pass a background check and drug screening

Nice To Haves

Entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated record of achievement
Strong customer service orientation
Proven ability to lead safety-focused aviation operations

Responsibilities

Full profit and loss responsibility for the FBO
Provide strong leadership and support to all operational teams
Lead and oversee all winter operations activities, including snow and ice mitigation, deicing coordination, winter ramp safety procedures, and severe weather response planning to ensure safe and efficient operations
Improve profitability by championing operational excellence, continuous improvement initiatives, and key performance indicators
Drive business growth and development opportunities
Live, promote, and hold others accountable for Vantage Aviation’s standards of service and safety
Ensure department supervisors and staff have the necessary resources, including staffing levels, training, and technology
Foster a teamwork-oriented, high-performance culture that is customer-focused and safety-minded
Review and negotiate contracts, including hangar leases, airport sponsor ground leases, fuel supply, equipment, and vendor contracts
Coordinate with senior leadership on FBO budget preparation, variance reporting, and performance aligned with company goals
Assist in the development and implementation of operational processes and procedures
Oversee the management of Customer Service, Line Service, and other operational employees
Collaborate with divisional leaders in aircraft management, charter, and maintenance
Periodically conduct market competitiveness surveys to ensure competitive pricing and services
Participate in regular meetings with senior-level leadership
Train, coach, evaluate, and develop employees in accordance with established procedures
Train, mentor, and develop operational teams on cold climate best practices, emergency response procedures, and customer service expectations to maintain operational continuity and exceptional service during challenging seasonal conditions
Will represent the FBO at Board of County Commissioner meetings as needed or when requested, while proactively developing and maintaining strong relationships with the Airport Director, county administrators, and other key city and county stakeholders
Ensure adherence to company training programs and safety management systems (SMS, ERP, SOPs, etc.)
Ensure compliance with company policies, airport agreements, and service standards (e.g., ATA 103, DLA, etc.)
Ensure compliance with all company, airport, and regulatory safety standards related to cold-weather operations, while proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks associated with winter conditions
Assist with the implementation and maintenance of required FBO certifications as directed by senior leadership
Communicate with customers and employees in person, via phone, and through radio communications
Periodically attend and represent the FBO at relevant trade association meetings and events, which may include, but are not limited to, state aviation and airport associations, NBAA, NATA, and other industry organizations as appropriate
Ensure good housekeeping practices and uniform standards are maintained
Other duties as assigned