Vice President Aerial Operations

Columbia Helicopters • Aurora, OR

277d

About The Position

The Vice President of Aerial Operations will lead and oversee the operational, financial, regulatory, and safety aspects of our heavy-lift helicopter fleet. This senior leadership role is critical to ensuring the success of our mission-driven operations, maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency, and delivering exceptional service to our customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aerospace, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in aviation operations, with at least 10 years in a leadership role overseeing helicopter operations.
• Proven track record of managing P&L for a large division, program, or business unit.
• Extensive experience in heavy-lift helicopter operations (e.g., CH-47 Chinook, Sikorsky S-64, or equivalent rotorcraft platforms).
• Deep knowledge of aviation regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and operational compliance standards.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret and act on complex financial data.
• Proven ability to manage complex flight operations in demanding environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience working with diverse customers, including government agencies, military, and commercial clients, is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in large-scale project management and mission-critical operations.
• Strong understanding of heavy-lift helicopter mission profiles, including external load operations, precision placement, and high-altitude performance.
• Familiarity with cutting-edge aviation technologies, such as avionics systems and flight data monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial health of the flight operations division, ensuring revenue and cost targets are met or exceeded.
• Develop and implement financial strategies to optimize profitability while maintaining operational excellence.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and resource allocation to achieve financial and operational goals.
• Track and report key financial metrics, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all flight operations, including planning, scheduling, and execution of heavy-lift helicopter missions.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Optimize fleet utilization to achieve operational excellence and meet customer requirements.
• Ensure all flight operations adhere to aviation safety standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA, or ICAO), and company policies.
• Champion a culture of safety, implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks and improve operational safety performance.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and certifications to maintain regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of pilots, crew members, and operations staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Ensure proper training, certification, and readiness of all flight operations personnel.
• Promote collaboration and teamwork across departments, including maintenance, engineering, and customer service.
• Work closely with customers to understand their heavy-lift requirements and ensure operational plans align with their needs.
• Drive mission success by delivering on-time, cost-effective, and high-quality flight operations for a wide range of applications (e.g., construction, oil & gas, firefighting, disaster relief, or military support).
• Collaborate with Field Maintenance, ensuring aircraft availability, maintenance scheduling, and mission-specific configurations.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure the fleet is maintained at the highest standards.
• Manage operational budgets, resource allocation, and cost control measures.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to enhance the company's flight operations capabilities and market presence.
• Identify and implement new technologies, systems, or processes to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness.
• Support business development initiatives by contributing to proposals, presentations, and customer engagements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Forestry and Logging
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree