Director Base Operations

About Northern Jet:

Personal. Private. Authentic. Northern Jet is a private aviation company with over 25 years of experience, offering personalized luxury travel with a focus on safety, convenience, and quality. We operate a fleet of 40+ jets and hold an ARGUS Platinum safety rating. Northern Jet's mission is to deliver seamless, client-focused travel experiences. About this

Role:

The Director of FBO Operations & Facilities is responsible for leading and standardizing all FBO, line service, and facility operations across the company's three bases: Grand Rapids, Michigan; Orlando, Florida; and Naples, Florida. This position will be based in Orlando and will oversee the safe, efficient, consistent, and professional execution of line service and facility operations at each location. The Director will ensure that all bases operate under aligned procedures, service expectations, safety standards, training requirements, facility standards, and accountability measures. This role is ideal for a hands-on aviation leader who understands FBO operations, aircraft ground handling, facilities oversight, team leadership, customer service, and the importance of creating consistency across multiple locations.

Location:

Orlando, Florida Key Duties and Responsibilities Multi-Base FBO Leadership Lead and oversee FBO, line service, and facility operations across Grand Rapids, Orlando, and Naples. Establish consistent operating standards across all bases. Serve as the primary leader for base-level line service and facility performance. Partner with operations, maintenance, client services, flight crews, and executive leadership to ensure facility and ground support needs are met. Conduct regular site visits to evaluate operations, team performance, facility condition, safety compliance, and service standards. Identify gaps between locations and implement solutions to create consistency. Support company growth by building scalable processes for future operational needs. Line Service Operations Oversight Oversee all line service operations, including aircraft fueling, towing, marshalling, wing walking, ramp movement, hangar movement, lavatory service, potable water service, GPU usage, and aircraft staging. Ensure all aircraft ground handling is performed safely and in accordance with company procedures, manufacturer guidance, and industry best practices. Standardize line service procedures across all three bases. Ensure each location has proper shift coverage, supervision, equipment readiness, and operational accountability. Partner with base leaders and line supervisors to support daily operations and resolve service or staffing challenges. Monitor line service performance and ensure timely, professional support for aircraft, crews, passengers, maintenance, and vendors. Develop and maintain expectations for ramp cleanliness, hangar organization, aircraft presentation, and operational readiness. Facilities Oversight Oversee the condition, cleanliness, functionality, and professional appearance of company facilities at all three bases. Ensure hangars, offices, lounges, ramp areas, fuel farms, storage areas, maintenance spaces, and customer-facing areas are maintained to company standards. Develop and implement facility inspection standards and checklists. Coordinate facility repairs, vendor relationships, preventative maintenance, and improvement projects. Ensure each base maintains a clean, safe, organized, and brand-aligned environment. Partner with leadership to prioritize facility upgrades, maintenance needs, and capital improvement planning. Support emergency preparedness, snow removal planning, storm readiness, and facility response procedures as applicable by location. Standardization & Process Improvement Create, implement, and maintain standardized SOPs for line service, facilities, ramp operations, hangar operations, equipment use, inspections, cleaning standards, and daily readiness. Ensure all bases follow consistent training, documentation, communication, and accountability processes. Identify inefficiencies and recommend operational improvements. Develop scalable procedures that support company growth and multi-base alignment. Create scorecards, checklists, or reporting tools to measure base performance. Safety & Compliance Champion a strong safety-first culture across all FBO, line service, and facility operations. Ensure compliance with company policies, FAA regulations, OSHA requirements, environmental standards, fuel handling requirements, and airport rules. Oversee fuel quality control processes, spill prevention, equipment inspections, and hazard reporting. Ensure safety meetings, training, incident reporting, and corrective actions are completed consistently. Review accidents, incidents, service failures, or safety concerns and implement preventative measures. Ensure all team members use proper PPE and follow safe work practices. Partner with safety and compliance leadership to support audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives. Team Leadership & Training Lead, coach, and support line service and facilities team members across all bases. Provide guidance and accountability to Line Supervisors, Line Service Technicians, Facilities personnel, and other assigned team members. Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for line and facilities roles. Create a consistent training program for all line service and facilities employees. Develop team members through coaching, hands-on training, performance feedback, and career development. Promote professionalism, accountability, teamwork, urgency, and service excellence. Ensure staffing levels and schedules support business needs at each location. Customer Service & Brand Experience Ensure all FBO and facility operations support a high-end private aviation experience. Maintain professional, clean, and welcoming environments for clients, guests, crews, vendors, and employees. Ensure line service and facilities teams understand their impact on customer experience. Partner with Client Services and Flight Operations to support arrivals, departures, special requests, events, and VIP movements. Establish service standards that reflect the company's brand, values, and expectations. Address service concerns promptly and professionally. Equipment & Vendor Management Oversee the readiness, maintenance, and proper use of ground support equipment, fuel trucks, tugs, GPUs, lav carts, vehicles, tools, and facility equipment. Ensure equipment inspection programs are consistently followed across all bases. Partner with vendors for repairs, service contracts, facility maintenance, janitorial support, landscaping, snow removal, pest control, and other operational needs. Review equipment needs and make recommendations for replacement, repair, or capital investment. Maintain consistency in equipment standards and operational readiness across locations. Budget & Resource Management Support budgeting for FBO operations, line service, facilities, equipment, supplies, repairs, and capital improvements. Monitor spending and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or service. Review staffing needs, vendor costs, maintenance expenses, and equipment investments. Partner with leadership to plan for future base needs and growth. Ensure resources are allocated effectively across all three locations. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. Minimum of 5-7 years of aviation operations, FBO, line service, airport operations, facilities, or aircraft ground support experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership or management experience. Strong understanding of aircraft ground handling, fueling, towing, ramp safety, hangar operations, and FBO service expectations. Experience overseeing multiple teams, locations, or operational functions preferred. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and airport badging requirements. Ability to travel regularly between company bases. Strong working knowledge of safety procedures, OSHA standards, environmental requirements, fuel handling procedures, and airport operations. Ability to work flexible hours as operational needs require. Physical Requirements Ability to work in and around aircraft, hangars, ramps, fuel farms, and maintenance environments. Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, and move throughout aviation facilities. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds as needed. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to travel between company locations. Ability to safely operate company vehicles and ground support equipment when needed. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will have proven experience leading FBO, line service, ramp, or aviation facility operations in a fast-paced private aviation environment. They understand the importance of safety, urgency, professionalism, and presentation, and they know how to build scalable processes that can be consistently followed across multiple locations. This person should be comfortable being both strategic and hands-on. They can create SOPs, build training programs, manage vendors, oversee facilities, coach supervisors, and step onto the ramp when needed to understand and support the operation. They should be a strong leader who can assess what is working, identify gaps, and create alignment across locations without disrupting daily operations. Why This Role Matters The Director of FBO Operations & Facilities plays a critical role in creating a safe, professional, and consistent experience across every company base. As the company continues to grow, it is essential that line service, ramp operations, hangar standards, facility maintenance, and customer-facing support operate with the same level of excellence regardless of location. This position ensures that Grand Rapids, Orlando, and Naples are aligned in process, safety, training, service, and presentation. This role directly impacts aircraft readiness, employee accountability, facility appearance, safety culture, client experience, and operational efficiency. A strong Director will bring structure, consistency, and leadership to the teams responsible for keeping aircraft, facilities, crews, and clients supported every day. Why Northern Jet? Work with a leading private aviation company focused on exclusive experiences. Collaborate with a dynamic marketing team in a fast-growing industry. Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's growth and brand presence. Exposure to luxury sales strategies and high-net-worth clientele engagement. Your Career. Your Benefits. Your Northern Jet Advantage. At Northern Jet, we're committed to taking care of the people who keep us flying. We offer a wide range of valuable benefits, many provided at no cost to support your health, financial stability, and overall quality of life. Our benefits are designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally, so you can focus on delivering excellence in the skies and enjoying life on the ground.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

80% Company-Paid Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with access to nationwide provider networks Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care Health Savings Account (HSA) option with tax-advantaged savings Wellness Programs & Discounts including LifeMart and exclusive ID90 Travel deals Paid Time Off starting at 2 weeks PTO plus 1 week of paid sick time annually Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (company-paid) Voluntary Benefits including accident, critical illness, identity theft protection, and hospital indemnity plans 401(k) plan with a 3% company match Short•and Long-Term Disability (company-paid) Additional Lifestyle Perks and travel discounts designed for the aviation industry As part of our commitment to safety and security, all candidates are required to complete pre-employment drug screening and background checks. Northern Jet also participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires.

Pay:

$57,802.34•$69,611.41 per year

Work Location:

In person Director Base Operations 3.6 3.6 out of 5 stars Orlando, FL 32803 $57,802.34•$69,611.41 a year•Full-time

NORTHERN JET 23

reviews $57,802.34•$69,611.41 a year•

Full-time About Northern Jet:

Personal. Private. Authentic. Northern Jet is a private aviation company with over 25 years of experience, offering personalized luxury travel with a focus on safety, convenience, and quality. We operate a fleet of 40+ jets and hold an ARGUS Platinum safety rating. Northern Jet's mission is to deliver seamless, client-focused travel experiences. About this

Role:

The Director of FBO Operations & Facilities is responsible for leading and standardizing all FBO, line service, and facility operations across the company's three bases: Grand Rapids, Michigan; Orlando, Florida; and Naples, Florida. This position will be based in Orlando and will oversee the safe, efficient, consistent, and professional execution of line service and facility operations at each location. The Director will ensure that all bases operate under aligned procedures, service expectations, safety standards, training requirements, facility standards, and accountability measures. This role is ideal for a hands-on aviation leader who understands FBO operations, aircraft ground handling, facilities oversight, team leadership, customer service, and the importance of creating consistency across multiple locations.

Location:

Orlando, Florida Key Duties and Responsibilities Multi-Base FBO Leadership Lead and oversee FBO, line service, and facility operations across Grand Rapids, Orlando, and Naples. Establish consistent operating standards across all bases. Serve as the primary leader for base-level line service and facility performance. Partner with operations, maintenance, client services, flight crews, and executive leadership to ensure facility and ground support needs are met. Conduct regular site visits to evaluate operations, team performance, facility condition, safety compliance, and service standards. Identify gaps between locations and implement solutions to create consistency. Support company growth by building scalable processes for future operational needs. Line Service Operations Oversight Oversee all line service operations, including aircraft fueling, towing, marshalling, wing walking, ramp movement, hangar movement, lavatory service, potable water service, GPU usage, and aircraft staging. Ensure all aircraft ground handling is performed safely and in accordance with company procedures, manufacturer guidance, and industry best practices. Standardize line service procedures across all three bases. Ensure each location has proper shift coverage, supervision, equipment readiness, and operational accountability. Partner with base leaders and line supervisors to support daily operations and resolve service or staffing challenges. Monitor line service performance and ensure timely, professional support for aircraft, crews, passengers, maintenance, and vendors. Develop and maintain expectations for ramp cleanliness, hangar organization, aircraft presentation, and operational readiness. Facilities Oversight Oversee the condition, cleanliness, functionality, and professional appearance of company facilities at all three bases. Ensure hangars, offices, lounges, ramp areas, fuel farms, storage areas, maintenance spaces, and customer-facing areas are maintained to company standards. Develop and implement facility inspection standards and checklists. Coordinate facility repairs, vendor relationships, preventative maintenance, and improvement projects. Ensure each base maintains a clean, safe, organized, and brand-aligned environment. Partner with leadership to prioritize facility upgrades, maintenance needs, and capital improvement planning. Support emergency preparedness, snow removal planning, storm readiness, and facility response procedures as applicable by location. Standardization & Process Improvement Create, implement, and maintain standardized SOPs for line service, facilities, ramp operations, hangar operations, equipment use, inspections, cleaning standards, and daily readiness. Ensure all bases follow consistent training, documentation, communication, and accountability processes. Identify inefficiencies and recommend operational improvements. Develop scalable procedures that support company growth and multi-base alignment. Create scorecards, checklists, or reporting tools to measure base performance. Safety & Compliance Champion a strong safety-first culture across all FBO, line service, and facility operations. Ensure compliance with company policies, FAA regulations, OSHA requirements, environmental standards, fuel handling requirements, and airport rules. Oversee fuel quality control processes, spill prevention, equipment inspections, and hazard reporting. Ensure safety meetings, training, incident reporting, and corrective actions are completed consistently. Review accidents, incidents, service failures, or safety concerns and implement preventative measures. Ensure all team members use proper PPE and follow safe work practices. Partner with safety and compliance leadership to support audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives. Team Leadership & Training Lead, coach, and support line service and facilities team members across all bases. Provide guidance and accountability to Line Supervisors, Line Service Technicians, Facilities personnel, and other assigned team members. Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for line and facilities roles. Create a consistent training program for all line service and facilities employees. Develop team members through coaching, hands-on training, performance feedback, and career development. Promote professionalism, accountability, teamwork, urgency, and service excellence. Ensure staffing levels and schedules support business needs at each location. Customer Service & Brand Experience Ensure all FBO and facility operations support a high-end private aviation experience. Maintain professional, clean, and welcoming environments for clients, guests, crews, vendors, and employees. Ensure line service and facilities teams understand their impact on customer experience. Partner with Client Services and Flight Operations to support arrivals, departures, special requests, events, and VIP movements. Establish service standards that reflect the company's brand, values, and expectations. Address service concerns promptly and professionally. Equipment & Vendor Management Oversee the readiness, maintenance, and proper use of ground support equipment, fuel trucks, tugs, GPUs, lav carts, vehicles, tools, and facility equipment. Ensure equipment inspection programs are consistently followed across all bases. Partner with vendors for repairs, service contracts, facility maintenance, janitorial support, landscaping, snow removal, pest control, and other operational needs. Review equipment needs and make recommendations for replacement, repair, or capital investment. Maintain consistency in equipment standards and operational readiness across locations. Budget & Resource Management Support budgeting for FBO operations, line service, facilities, equipment, supplies, repairs, and capital improvements. Monitor spending and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or service. Review staffing needs, vendor costs, maintenance expenses, and equipment investments. Partner with leadership to plan for future base needs and growth. Ensure resources are allocated effectively across all three locations. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. Minimum of 5-7 years of aviation operations, FBO, line service, airport operations, facilities, or aircraft ground support experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership or management experience. Strong understanding of aircraft ground handling, fueling, towing, ramp safety, hangar operations, and FBO service expectations. Experience overseeing multiple teams, locations, or operational functions preferred. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and airport badging requirements. Ability to travel regularly between company bases. Strong working knowledge of safety procedures, OSHA standards, environmental requirements, fuel handling procedures, and airport operations. Ability to work flexible hours as operational needs require. Physical Requirements Ability to work in and around aircraft, hangars, ramps, fuel farms, and maintenance environments. Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, and move throughout aviation facilities. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds as needed. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to travel between company locations. Ability to safely operate company vehicles and ground support equipment when needed. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will have proven experience leading FBO, line service, ramp, or aviation facility operations in a fast-paced private aviation environment. They understand the importance of safety, urgency, professionalism, and presentation, and they know how to build scalable processes that can be consistently followed across multiple locations. This person should be comfortable being both strategic and hands-on. They can create SOPs, build training programs, manage vendors, oversee facilities, coach supervisors, and step onto the ramp when needed to understand and support the operation. They should be a strong leader who can assess what is working, identify gaps, and create alignment across locations without disrupting daily operations. Why This Role Matters The Director of FBO Operations & Facilities plays a critical role in creating a safe, professional, and consistent experience across every company base. As the company continues to grow, it is essential that line service, ramp operations, hangar standards, facility maintenance, and customer-facing support operate with the same level of excellence regardless of location. This position ensures that Grand Rapids, Orlando, and Naples are aligned in process, safety, training, service, and presentation. This role directly impacts aircraft readiness, employee accountability, facility appearance, safety culture, client experience, and operational efficiency. A strong Director will bring structure, consistency, and leadership to the teams responsible for keeping aircraft, facilities, crews, and clients supported every day. Why Northern Jet? Work with a leading private aviation company focused on exclusive experiences. Collaborate with a dynamic marketing team in a fast-growing industry. Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's growth and brand presence. Exposure to luxury sales strategies and high-net-worth clientele engagement. Your Career. Your Benefits. Your Northern Jet Advantage. At Northern Jet, we're committed to taking care of the people who keep us flying. We offer a wide range of valuable benefits, many provided at no cost to support your health, financial stability, and overall quality of life. Our benefits are designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally, so you can focus on delivering excellence in the skies and enjoying life on the ground.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

80% Company-Paid Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with access to nationwide provider networks Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care Health Savings Account (HSA) option with tax-advantaged savings Wellness Programs & Discounts including LifeMart and exclusive ID90 Travel deals Paid Time Off starting at 2 weeks PTO plus 1 week of paid sick time annually Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (company-paid) Voluntary Benefits including accident, critical illness, identity theft protection, and hospital indemnity plans 401(k) plan with a 3% company match Short•and Long-Term Disability (company-paid) Additional Lifestyle Perks and travel discounts designed for the aviation industry As part of our commitment to safety and security, all candidates are required to complete pre-employment drug screening and background checks. Northern Jet also participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires.

Pay:

$57,802.34•$69,611.41 per year

Work Location:

In person