General Manager (DSM)

Modern Aviation•Des Moines, IA

10d

About The Position

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, and financial results of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The role oversees customer relations, line service operations, accounting, health and safety, environmental compliance, and facilities, while planning and coordinating the sale and delivery of general aviation services, including fuel, hangar, and office rentals. The GM provides day-to-day leadership to support safe, reliable, high-quality service, serves as the primary liaison to the airport community, and fosters a positive, accountable team culture that serves internal and external customers. The GM contributes to the operating plan and budget, maintains service levels, pricing strategies, and procedures across business areas, monitors operating performance, and manages inventory, equipment, vendors, capital expenditures, facility maintenance, and assets. The position also supports revenue growth through hangar occupancy and customer strategy, manages customer agreements, leads and develops staff, promotes safety and compliance, and represents the company in airport and community relationships. The position requires at least five years of supervisory or management experience; general aviation or airport operations experience is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation Management, or a related field is required, or equivalent years of experience. The stated pay range is $110,000–$125,000 plus bonus and benefits. The role’s work environment includes exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet or humid conditions, extreme heat and cold, high or precarious places, outdoor weather, vibration, aviation fuels, oils, lavatory fluid, and usually loud noise. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

At least five years of supervisory or management experience; general aviation or airport operations experience is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation Management, or a related field, or equivalent years of experience.
Strong leadership, organizational, and execution skills.
Business acumen, sound judgment, negotiation skills, and decision-making capabilities.
Results-driven mindset with ownership and accountability.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills; advanced verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience with budgets, forecasting, invoice tracking, and financial reporting.
Project management experience, including oversight of airport- or facility-related projects.
Ability to build relationships with regulatory agencies, government entities, tenants, and community partners.
Experience coordinating or supporting community or airport events.
Valid driver’s license.
Legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer; visa sponsorship is not available.
Completion of the required Predictive Index behavioral assessment.

Nice To Haves

General aviation or airport operations experience.
Engineering and consulting support is provided for airport- or facility-related projects.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing and executing the annual operating plan and business budget.
Implement and maintain standardized service levels, pricing strategies, and operating procedures for fuel (Jet A and Avgas), hangars, office rentals, and facilities.
Monitor performance across business units, including line service and hangar operations, and take corrective action as needed.
Manage inventory, equipment, tools, and vendor relationships to support efficient operations.
Oversee capital expenditures, facility maintenance, and asset management.
Manage hangar occupancy and customer mix to support fuel volume growth and long-term revenue.
Identify and pursue prospective anchor hangar tenants.
Support lease renewals, extensions, amendments, and negotiations of major customer agreements.
Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality customer service and brand standards.
Lead, coach, and develop FBO employees, including Line Service Technicians, Customer Service Representatives, GSE Mechanics, the Base Safety Coordinator, and Facilities Manager.
Support recruiting, onboarding, and ongoing training programs.
Promote accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement, and align staffing and labor productivity with business needs.
Champion health, safety, and environmental compliance with applicable regulations and company standards.
Implement safety practices, training programs, and incident-prevention initiatives; attend regular safety committee meetings.
Uphold IS-BAH certification standards and support growth toward Stage 3 registration.
Represent the company in the airport community and maintain relationships with the Airport Authority, regulatory agencies, ARFF and public safety partners, tenants, customers, and community stakeholders.
Attend necessary airport meetings and support or participate in airport and community events, including public safety days, outreach events, and aviation education initiatives.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Regional Vice President or COO.