Area Director – Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Operates with a comprehensive understanding of Signature’s strategic values, core operations, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Collaborates with location management, Regional VP, and Field Support Center to formulate both short-term and long-term strategies to mitigate business risks and leverage growth opportunities.

• Exemplifies Signature values by modeling appropriate behaviors and business ethics in all interactions.

• Encourages accountability among teams for all expectations at each location and mentors Market General Managers (MGM) and General Managers (GMs) on actions to enhance KPI performance.

• Reacts promptly to operational challenges and opportunities by making informed decisions based on business acumen and company standards.

• Stays updated on market trends, data, and competitor information, partnering with MGM/GM and Field Support Center functions to implement growth plans that enhance market share and drive EBIDTA performance across locations.

• Dedicates time to work with MGM/GMs on methods and strategies to strengthen airport and community relations by engaging with local authorities, airport board members, management, governmental officials, and representatives of airlines and key customers, including routine check-ins during site visits to foster strong working relationships and address community needs.

• Advocates for Signature programs and products across all locations aimed at generating additional revenue and fostering customer loyalty.

• Ensures a consistent guest experience by evaluating FBOs on guest service and their ability to meet brand expectations, thereby cultivating a hospitality-focused, performance-oriented culture.

• Empowers MGM/GMs to foster a culture that enhances guest loyalty through increased team member engagement.

• Oversees talent reviews, succession planning, and local talent development initiatives, identifying strong performers at all levels of the FBO operation, actively supporting their growth with HR resources, and addressing underperformance effectively.

• Develops and mentors MGM/GMs as leaders, holding them accountable for executing Company strategy and ensuring team members have the necessary resources, training, and tools for safe and efficient operation.

• Cultivates strong relationships with leaders at the Signature Field Support Center to enhance financial and operational performance, compliance with standards, and organizational innovation.

• Establishes a safety-first culture at their bases by communicating expectations, monitoring safety metrics to identify gaps, collaborating with MGM/GM to develop and implement training plans, and reinforcing adherence to all SOPs.

• Conducts regular visits to their locations, employing various checklists, audit tools, and follow-up processes to ensure compliance with all relevant safety, service, and brand standards.

• Ensures that local procedures for aircraft accidents, fires, or other emergencies are established in coordination with regional health, safety, security, and environmental teams.

• Connects operational performance and metrics to financial outcomes, sharing key drivers, results, and action plans across their team to enhance consistency and elevate performance.

• Welcomes new procedures or initiatives, communicating their benefits to the team, stakeholders, and guests.

• Provides oversight and guidance to MGM/GMs to maintain appropriate staffing levels based on daily, weekly, and monthly volumes, coordinating with Field Ops and HR teams when local labor resources or performance are lacking.

• Assumes interim MGM/GM responsibilities when a base in their area lacks an assigned MGM/GM or when the designated base leader is unavailable due to vacation or other leave.

• Demonstrates flexibility to address emerging questions or issues and supports MGM/GMs in challenging situations.

• Carries out all management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and relevant laws and regulations.

• Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university or seven (7) to ten (10) years of related experience and/or training.

• Experience managing complex field-based operations; multi-site experience is preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines.

• Extensive knowledge of various operational functions, including finance, guest service, and employee management; experience with large account customers is a plus.

• Strong operational decision-making skills with the ability to implement processes that foster growth and efficiency while adapting to changing business demands. Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership abilities, supported by a history of professional success in leading and influencing large teams.

• Strong negotiation skills for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience in real estate, including but not limited to leases, contracts, and negotiations is preferred.

• Experience in budget development and management.

• Strong working knowledge of performance metrics with the ability to analyze and interpret data using Power BI and other company reporting methods.

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant aviation management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Strong ability to navigate a cross-functional organization.

• Proficient computer and presentation skills.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business financial statements, key performance indicators, business and real estate contracts, as well as airport and governmental regulations.

• Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Monitors and controls expenses, labor hours, and fuel inventory.

• Willingness to travel regularly, recommended at **60-75%**, and must reside in a hub city, utilizing direct flights to locations.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical/prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account.

• Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Life insurance.

• Disability insurance.

• 401(k).

• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Insurance.

• Identity Theft and Legal Services.

• Paid time off.

• Paid maternity leave.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Training and development opportunities.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Perks.