General Manager (DSM)
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, 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 ensure 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 leads operating and financial planning, service standards, business performance, inventory and vendor relationships, capital expenditures, facility maintenance, and asset management. The role also develops customer and revenue strategies, supports tenant and customer agreements, leads and develops staff, and champions safety, compliance, and airport and community relationships. The position reports to the Regional Vice President or COO for additional duties as assigned. The role is based at DSM in Des Moines, Iowa. The work environment includes exposure to moving mechanical parts; wet or humid conditions; extreme heat and cold; high or precarious places; outdoor weather and vibration; and chemicals such as aviation fuels, oils, and lavatory fluid. Noise levels are usually loud. A behavioral assessment is required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
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, and decision-making capabilities.
- Results-driven mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft 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; the employer cannot sponsor an employment visa.
- Completion of the required Predictive Index behavioral assessment.
Nice To Haves
- General aviation or airport operations experience is strongly preferred.
- A degree in Business, Aviation Management, or a related field is listed as an alternative to equivalent years of experience.
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 implement corrective actions 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 drive fuel volume growth and long-term revenue.
- Identify and pursue prospective anchor hangar tenants.
- Support lease renewals, extensions, amendments, and major customer agreement negotiations.
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality customer service and brand standards.
- Lead, coach, and develop FBO staff, 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 levels and labor productivity with business needs.
- Champion health, safety, and environmental compliance with local, state, and federal requirements 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.
- Serve as the primary company representative within 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 assigned by the Regional Vice President or COO.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance
- Company-paid disability coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Additional voluntary benefit options
- Bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
