Job Description

Our client, a premier aviation enterprise with five decades of industry leadership, is seeking an outstanding Chief Operations Officer to drive strategic implementation and oversee comprehensive operational management. This position provides substantial decision-making authority, executive leadership opportunities, and a defined trajectory toward succession into senior executive roles (President/COO). The successful candidate will be a transformative leader with the capability to foster organizational evolution, enhance operational excellence, and independently manage business operations during periods of executive travel.

Core Responsibilities

• Optimize asset allocation to appropriate customers for maximum profitability
• Drive operational efficiency improvements and performance optimization
• Execute the CEO's strategic vision across all operational functions with significant autonomy
• Ensure proper aircraft maintenance and cost-effective returns to customers at lowest cost
• Take full ownership of day-to-day operations for aircraft leasing and FBO businesses
• Drive annual rate increases (3-5%) through strategic pricing initiatives
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized processes and procedures
• Analyze and improve operational metrics impacting P&L performance
• Create a culture of process adherence and continuous improvement
• Make strategic personnel decisions including hiring and termination when necessary
• Lead and manage approximately 20+ team members
• Invest in employee development while maintaining high accountability standards
• Continue culture change initiatives and drive performance improvements
• Conduct realistic, unemotional assessments of staff performance
• Drive customer satisfaction and retention through superior service delivery
• Analyze customer base to identify expansion opportunities and pricing improvements
• Support business growth initiatives and market expansion
• Serve as an effective negotiator creating win-win solutions for customers and suppliers
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth
• Provide fundamental business insights to advise on P&L impact
• Support strategic planning and decision-making processes
• Monitor key success metrics including maintenance costs, asset utilization, and pricing
• Maintain business continuity and performance standards during all conditions
• Operate with full autonomy during owner travel periods (including extended 3-month trips)
• Handle emergency situations and operational challenges as they arise

Requirements

• Background in manufacturing, equipment leasing, asset management, logistics, or related industries
• Demonstrated success in leadership roles driving organizational change
• Proven operations management experience, preferably with assets/equipment management
• Experience managing teams and making difficult personnel decisions
• Basic business acumen to assess operational impacts on financial performance
• Fundamental understanding of P&L, balance sheets, and payroll management
• Asset management capabilities and operational efficiency optimization

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Autonomous self-starter requiring minimal oversight
• Process-driven mindset with focus on standardization and adherence
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Dynamic leadership style with ability to be "bad cop" when necessary
• Proven ability to work with long-term staff while driving change

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of successful culture transformation initiatives
• Experience in similar asset-intensive businesses
• Aviation industry experience (can be taught if not present)
• Background in customer-facing operations

Benefits

• Annual base salary range: ~$150,000 - $200,000
• Flexible compensation structure for exceptional candidates
• Full-time permanent position with emergency on-call availability
• Comprehensive benefits package

Why This Opportunity?

Distinctive Market Leadership

• Operate in a specialized niche with virtually no direct competition
• Join our client as the dominant force in the aviation training equipment sector
• Oversee a fleet of 300+ aircraft, dwarfing the nearest competitor's ~75 aircraft portfolio

Executive Development & Advancement

• Owner actively seeking a future successor who could ultimately "inherit the business"
• Substantial operational independence combined with executive mentorship and growth support
• Well-defined progression to President/COO position for the ideal candidate
• Unique chance to influence the trajectory of an established, profitable enterprise

Strategic Leadership Impact

• Exercise strategic oversight affecting $85M in valuable aircraft assets
• Assume comprehensive operational responsibility from the first day
• Guide an experienced team within a stable, financially sound organization
• Champion organizational transformation and performance enhancement initiatives

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at .
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

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