Head of Special Air Missions - US

Metrea•Tampa, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas. The Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities from the US. SAM oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships to enhance mission effectiveness. The Head of SAM - US (H/SAM US) will lead both on and in the Group: On the Group - designing and building best-in-class special mission Capability Areas (CAs), including processes, systems, and people. In the Group - delivering exceptional aerospace services to some of Metrea’s highest-value programs. H/SAM US will serve as a Core Group member of Metrea’s Senior Leadership Team and play a central role in shaping and executing enterprise strategy. This position requires strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to build trust with teammates at every level. With the focus of “safe, assured, and scalable global aviation operations,” H/SAM US will drive the newly redesigned capability areas, creating a cohesive, efficient, and scalable organization to achieve the summits outlined in the Metrea Strategy Map. Above all, the role demands a builder—someone able to lead and collaborate across both the Group and the wider enterprise.

Requirements

Senior leadership experience in aerospace & defense, with proven ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity through sound judgment
Extensive special mission aircrew background, ideally with ISR expertise
Deep knowledge of aviation regulatory environments (FAA), including hands-on Part 135 operations and prior accountable executive responsibility in the commercial sector
Working knowledge of FAA Airworthiness and Maintenance procedures
Proven experience engaging with senior stakeholders (customers, suppliers, partners) to represent the company at the highest levels
Track record of leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering measurable results
Familiarity with U.S. government budget cycles and procurement processes
Flexibility to travel frequently, domestically and internationally, often on short notice
Strong critical thinking, judgment, and attention to detail; intellectually curious and quick to adapt
Skilled at identifying key issues, troubleshooting, and problem-solving to advance long-term strategic goals
Highly organized, reliable, discreet, and disciplined, with strong execution skills
Effective in matrixed, collaborative environments, with the ability to balance competing priorities
Emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and intellectually humble, with the ability to challenge and refine one’s own thinking
Eligible to hold TS/SCI security clearance, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and legally authorized to work in the United States
Position may require passing a government-administered background check
Role will require adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR)
Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of the SAM Group, implementing scalable, efficient processes
Build industry-specific frameworks, financial models, and digital systems (in partnership with Operations) to enable workflow automation and meet government contracting requirements
Provide decision support at tactical, operational, and strategic levels
Identify growth opportunities in knowledge, skills, and culture; drive professional development and talent acquisition to build a high-performing team
Foster a unified “One Team” culture rooted in humility, aligned with Metrea’s Individual Firmware attributes: Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over Do'er
Lead development of the Group’s growth strategy through the annual Enterprise Value Case (EVC) cycle, delivering Strategic Milestones (SMs) and OKRs across SAM Capability Areas (CAs) in alignment with Metrea’s Strategy Map
Contribute to Metrea’s Campaign Plan (CAMPLAN), Capability Plan (CAPEPLAN), and Marketing Plans (MPLAN) relevant to SAM
Oversee performance reviews of SAM US CAs, ensuring progress against OKRs and KPIs; lead interventions when necessary
Support reporting (monthly, quarterly, board) with strategic analysis, risk planning, and mitigation strategies
Actively assess and shape Group risk exposure and opportunity management, influencing internal programs and potential acquisitions
Provide market and customer-focused expertise to de-risk current programs and validate new opportunities