Flight Operations Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• Oversee the enterprise drone program for J.S. Held.

• Ensure comprehensive visibility into drone assets, pilots, certifications, usage, and flight operations.

• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, policies, procedures, records, and controls.

• Monitor program performance and report on utilization, compliance, billing, risks, and implementation progress.

• Enhance fleet management and uncover new revenue opportunities.

• Manage drone inventory, registration, assignment, maintenance, insurance, and retirement processes.

• Keep track of FAA requirements, pilot credentials, renewals, authorizations, and recordkeeping duties.

• Assist with risk assessments, incident reporting, corrective actions, and compliance evaluations.

• Establish uniform drone billing and documentation procedures in collaboration with Finance and practice operations.

• Link flight activities to projects or engagements, maintaining invoicing, audit, and client inquiry records.

• Supervise billing adoption and exceptions, reporting on activity, billings, recoveries, costs, and program economics.

• Lead the definition of requirements, support RFPs, evaluate, and implement a drone fleet-management platform.

• Administer platform data standards, user access, workflows, data integrity, vendor performance, and enhancements.

• Foster relationships with vendors of drone technology, equipment, training, and compliance.

• Collaborate with practice leaders, pilots, and corporate functions to promote adoption and resolve issues.

• Manage pilot onboarding, training, certification tracking, and program communications.

• Act as the primary coordination point, directing technical, legal, regulatory, safety, or accounting matters to subject matter experts.

• Provide enterprise coordination without having direct-report pilots.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• A minimum of five years' experience in program management, operations, fleet or asset management, compliance administration, field operations, or a related field.

• Practical understanding of commercial drone operations and relevant FAA regulations.

• Experience in implementing standardized processes across various teams, locations, or business units.

• Proficient in selecting, implementing, or managing an operational, fleet, asset, compliance, or workflow technology platform.

• Strong analytical, reporting, organizational, and stakeholder management capabilities.

• Possession of an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Sound judgment with the capability to manage multiple workstreams without direct reporting authority.

• Preferred: experience in supporting a multi-location drone, aviation, field services, equipment management, or other regulated operational programs.

• Preferred: familiarity with drone fleet management platforms, flight log systems, or asset management solutions.

• Preferred: experience in billing, cost recovery, project accounting, or client documentation within a professional services context.

• Preferred: knowledge of commercial insurance schedules, FAA waivers or authorizations, and specialized drone operating environments.

• Preferred: certifications or training in project management, safety management, process improvement, or change management.

• Ability to work at a computer and review operational, regulatory, and financial information for extended periods.

• Ability to effectively communicate with geographically dispersed stakeholders while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Willingness to travel occasionally and access field or equipment storage locations as necessary.

• Capability to safely handle or move typical small-drone equipment and cases, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

• Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote work options available for employees.

• A flexible work environment.

• Flexible Time Off policy.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.

• 401k Matching program.

• Commuter Benefit.

• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.