VP, Engine Operations

Willis Engine Repair Center® (US)•Coconut Creek, FL

123d

About The Position

The VP, Engine Operations oversees all maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations within Willis Engine Repair Center. The role ensures compliance with FAA, EASA, and other applicable regulations, OEM standards, and company procedures, and holds full accountability for the operation’s financial performance, including P&L responsibility. The position drives operational efficiency, promotes a strong safety culture, and leads the organization toward business objectives while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service. The VP leads the maintenance and technical workforce, oversees regulatory and quality-system compliance, develops maintenance strategies, monitors productivity KPIs, and manages corrective actions for maintenance issues and audit or customer findings. The role also manages maintenance, tooling, and calibration programs; partners with leadership on workforce planning and development; oversees budgets, resources, and capital investment; maintains third-party customer relationships; and provides technical expertise to engine-related projects worldwide. Travel is required as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance, Aeronautical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Minimum 15 years of maintenance experience in commercial aviation, including at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
Extensive knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station operations and regulatory compliance.
Lean / Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement training.
Familiarity with ERP and maintenance tracking systems, such as AvSight, Quantum, SAP, or AMOS.
Proven experience managing large-scale MRO operations, ideally specializing in engines.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage change in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Foster a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
Lead, mentor, and manage the maintenance and technical workforce, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians.
Oversee maintenance department operations to ensure compliance with government regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality systems.
Develop and implement maintenance strategies to deliver engines on time while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Monitor and manage productivity key performance indicators (KPIs).
Oversee root cause analysis and corrective action for maintenance issues, audit findings, and customer concerns.
Ensure effective management of maintenance, tooling, and calibration programs.
Partner with leadership on workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance development.
Develop and manage budgets, resource plans, and capital investment strategies to support department growth and customer commitments.
Engage, negotiate, and maintain relationships with third-party customers.
Provide technical expertise to engine-related projects worldwide.
Travel as required.