Sr Manager, Operations Control Center OCC / SOC

Allegiant•Minneapolis, MN

9d•$150,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Operations Control Center (OCC—Allegiant/G4) / Systems Operations Control (SOC—Sun Country/SY) is a senior operational leader who supports the Director, OCC (G4) / Senior Director, SOC (SY) in leading, managing performance, and continuously improving OCC/SOC operations. The role provides strategic and tactical oversight of OCC Managers / Duty Managers and daily execution, supporting safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient scheduled, charter, and cargo airline operations. It drives operational discipline, cross-functional coordination, OCC standards and processes, and readiness for growth, transformation, and integration. The position serves as a key decision-maker and leadership representative during normal operations, irregular operations, and other time-sensitive events. The position supports Sun Country’s Minneapolis SOC. Regardless of initial hiring location, the position will be based in Minneapolis–St. Paul until Allegiant and Sun Country achieve a Single Operating Certificate and co-locate the SOC/OCC in Las Vegas. Candidates hired in Las Vegas will primarily work at Sun Country’s Minneapolis headquarters until co-location. After the Minneapolis SOC closes, the team member will transition to a Las Vegas role at Allegiant’s headquarters. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 7–10 years of progressive airline operations experience, including at least three years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience in a 24/7 airline operations environment. The candidate must be authorized to work in the United States and pass a criminal background check. Visa sponsorship is not available. Some travel may be required, and the role may involve various shifts and days in a 24-hour operational environment. The position participates in shared operational on-call responsibilities and serves as backup to the Director, OCC / Senior Director, SOC when required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Seven to ten years of progressive airline operations experience, preferably in an Operations Control Center, Flight Dispatch, Crew Scheduling, Maintenance Control, or equivalent operational leadership environment.
At least three years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience in a 24/7 airline operations environment.
Must be authorized to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Act of 1986.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Ability to lead leaders, develop high-performing teams, and drive accountability, consistency, and operational discipline across shifts and functional areas.
Working knowledge of aviation safety standards, safe operating practices, 14 CFR Chapter I, Federal Aviation Regulations, operating specifications, and airline operational control requirements.
Ability to evaluate complex operational risk, make sound decisions under pressure, and give clear direction in time-sensitive or ambiguous situations.
Understanding of airline operational interdependencies, including dispatch, crew scheduling, maintenance, aircraft routing, airport operations, charter operations, and customer impact.
Executive-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and cross-functional teams on operational strategy, risk, performance, and decisions.
Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including identifying trends, assessing root causes, and implementing mitigation or improvement plans.
Ability to influence outcomes across departments through collaboration, credibility, communication, and shared accountability.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive during high-pressure events, irregular operations, severe weather disruptions, and other operational challenges.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn, support, and optimize airline operations systems, decision-support tools, and reporting processes.
Highly organized and self-directed, with ability to manage competing priorities, lead multiple initiatives, and stay focused in a dynamic operational environment.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to build trust, coach effectively, navigate conflict, and foster a positive leadership culture.
Ability to work effectively on a team while maintaining clear authority, communication, and operational discipline.

Nice To Haves

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent operational control experience.
Previous senior leadership experience in an airline OCC/SOC, Flight Dispatch, Crew Scheduling, Maintenance Control, or integrated operations environment.
Experience leading large-scale irregular operations, severe weather response, aircraft routing constraints, system disruptions, or other complex airline operational events.
Experience developing or leading operational performance programs, staffing models, procedures, training content, performance metrics, or continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience supporting merger, integration, transformation, or operational readiness initiatives within an airline or similarly complex operational environment.
Advanced knowledge of airline operational systems, schedule recovery tools, aircraft routing processes, and operational performance reporting.

Responsibilities

Provide senior-level leadership, direction, and accountability for OCC Managers / SOC Managers and daily OCC/SOC execution.
Partner with the Director, OCC / Senior Director, SOC to establish operational priorities, performance expectations, decision-making standards, and long-term objectives.
Lead tactical and strategic operational planning to mitigate disruptions, protect the flight schedule, optimize aircraft and crew utilization, and support customer, commercial, and operational objectives.
Serve as a senior OCC/SOC decision-maker during irregular operations, severe weather, aircraft routing constraints, system disruptions, and other complex events.
Coordinate with Dispatch, Crew Scheduling, Maintenance Control, Charter Operations, Airport Operations, Guest Services, Network Planning, Crew Planning, Flight Operations, and other stakeholders to maintain a shared operational strategy.
Oversee OCC Manager / SOC Duty Manager performance, coaching, development, accountability, and succession planning.
Develop and manage staffing models, shift schedules, workload alignment, and coverage plans for a 24/7 operation.
Serve as a subject matter expert and process owner for operational software, decision-support tools, procedures, and workflows; support system adoption, optimization, and continuous improvement.
Monitor schedules, aircraft routings, operational constraints, and performance trends to identify risk, improve schedule efficiency, and support proactive decisions.
Manage future aircraft routing in support of Crew Planning monthly schedule development, operational readiness, and resource optimization.
Partner with the Manager, OCC Standards / SOC Standards to maintain and standardize policies, procedures, training materials, and Operations Control Center Manual content.
Assist with recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and career development for OCC/SOC leaders as assigned.
Collaborate with OCC/SOC Standards to maintain and deliver initial and recurrent manager/duty manager training covering operational scenarios, leadership expectations, regulatory compliance, and decision-making discipline.
Facilitate executive-level operational briefings, daily operations calls, IROP coordination calls, and post-event reviews, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and follow-up.
Review performance metrics, delay-code trends, disruption drivers, and post-event outcomes to identify improvement opportunities.
Ensure daily operations are conducted safely and efficiently and comply with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, contractual obligations, operating specifications, company policies, and procedures.
Represent the OCC/SOC in cross-functional initiatives, operational readiness planning, process improvement, and integration or transformation workstreams.
Serve as backup to the Director, OCC / Senior Director, SOC when required and participate in shared operational on-call responsibilities.
Promote safety, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and servant leadership within the OCC/SOC.
Ensure direct reports understand and apply the Customer Commitment and customer service standards as appropriate.
Model Allegiant’s customer service standards in personal actions and leadership direction.
Perform other duties as assigned.