Head of Aviation Operations

Metrea•Tampa, FL

13h

About The Position

The Head of Aviation Operations (US) leads the Aviation Operations (US) Capability Area and serves as its accountable manager, reporting to the Head of Special Air Missions (US). The role is accountable for integrating and assuring aviation operations that are compliant, safe, reliable, effective, efficient, and evolvable in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and Metrea’s Management System. It also leads the Special Mission Aviation function, which currently operates as a Part 135 certificate holder, and is responsible for developing it into a global capability aligned with Metrea’s defense effects-as-a-service delivery. The position ensures the Capability Area has an appropriate management structure, competent personnel, resources, standards, manuals, systems, and independent safety oversight to conduct worldwide deployed aviation operations safely and compliantly. It promotes safety policy, a strong safety culture, and continuous improvement. The role synchronizes Flight Operations, Crew Training, Safety, Security, and Compliance; coordinates with the Maintenance (US) and Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization (US) Capability Areas; and serves as the primary interface with File Underwriters, File Sponsors, Support Groups, and Market Groups. It translates Group direction into an integrated operating model and maintains accountability for operational performance, risk, readiness, and regulatory assurance. This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and shifts may change according to business needs, and the role must be available on-call as required. The work takes place in office, hangar, and deployed settings, with 20% travel.

Requirements

Senior leadership experience in complex commercial, government-contracted, special-mission, or defense operations, with accountability for compliant and safe operational delivery.
Deep working knowledge of applicable FAA regulations and operational approval frameworks, including hands-on Part 135 experience.
Ability to lead and integrate Flight Operations, Crew Training, Safety, Security, and Compliance while maintaining appropriate independence, authorities, and assurance lines.
Experience establishing management systems, operational standards, safety performance measures, governance, and continuous-improvement practices for globally deployed aviation operations.
Success leading leaders, building capable teams, managing budgets and resources, and delivering measurable operational, safety, and readiness outcomes.
Ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, customers, partners, suppliers, Support Groups, and Market Groups.
Strong judgment, critical thinking, systems thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, including risk-informed decision-making amid complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities.
Highly organized, reliable, emotionally intelligent, intellectually humble, and able to challenge assumptions constructively.
Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent senior operational aviation experience.
Current U.S. passport; ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. security clearance; and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including on short notice and in support of deployed operations.
Legally authorized to work in the United States and a U.S. citizen.
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance at time of hire and ability to maintain it throughout employment.
Ability to be on-call and available as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as an FAA accountable executive or equivalent accountable manager.
Familiarity with ICAO standards, U.S. Government oversight, and international or host-nation operating requirements.
Extensive experience, particularly in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance or Special Mission Aviation.
Experience leading charter or Special Mission Aviation operations and developing them into scalable, internationally deployable capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to translate defense customer needs into an executable aviation operating model.

Responsibilities

Serve as accountable manager for the Aviation Operations (US) Capability Area and ensure safe operations under applicable FAA, U.S. Government, international, host-nation, and Metrea requirements.
Establish and maintain a management structure with clear authorities, accountabilities, and interfaces across Flight Operations, Crew Training, Safety, Security, and Compliance.
Ensure the Capability Area has sufficient qualified and competent personnel and the financial, technical, and operational resources needed for current and planned commitments.
Set, maintain, and continuously improve standards for Flight Operations, Crew Training, Safety, Security, and Compliance across worldwide deployed activities.
Implement and oversee the Safety Management System, protect the Safety Manager’s independence, promote safety policy, and ensure personnel understand their safety responsibilities.
Establish and review safety performance indicators and targets, operational risk, compliance findings, readiness measures, and corrective actions; intervene when performance falls below required standards.
Hold functional leaders accountable for performing their responsibilities in accordance with approved manuals, regulations, and Capability Area objectives.
Synchronize Aviation Operations (US) with Maintenance (US) and Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization (US) leadership to align operational priorities.
Serve as the primary Aviation Operations (US) interface with File Underwriters, File Sponsors, Support Groups, and Market Groups, integrating program requirements, commitments, enterprise support, and market priorities into operational plans.
Translate Group strategy into Capability Area priorities, operating plans, budgets, workforce plans, objectives, key results, and targets; provide decision support and transparent reporting to the Head of Special Air Missions (US).
Support development and integration of new aircraft, mission systems, contracts, and capabilities, ensuring changes are resourced, assessed, documented, and included in training.
Lead the Special Mission Aviation function, assure current Part 135 operations, and define and execute the roadmap, operating model, partnerships, approvals, resources, and capabilities needed to scale it globally.
Build and develop a high-performing leadership team and a culture rooted in humility and Metrea’s Firmware attributes: Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver.