Director of Aviation Services

at Neptune Aviation Service Inc. in Missoula, Montana, United States

Job Description

Position Summary:The Director of Aviation Services is responsible for managing the overall operations, customer service, and financial performance of Neptune Aviation’s retail business units, including the FBO, Flight School, Testing Center, GA Maintenance, and Marketing. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality services to aircraft operators, airlines, GA Maintenance customers, passengers, and other stakeholders while maintaining compliance with aviation regulations. The Director will develop and execute a multi-year growth plan while ensuring day-to-day excellence, regulatory adherence, and a strong, proactive safety culture.Essential Responsibilities:Management: Plan, direct, and provide management for the retail aviation services divisions.Operations Management: Oversee daily operations, including line services, fuel sales, hangar leasing, facility maintenance, GA maintenance operations, airfield and airside programs, ensuring compliance with FAA and TSA regulations.Strategic Planning: Continuously evaluate the market for sales and growth opportunities. Develop plans to leverage current capabilities to increase efficiency and sales. Identify and evaluate new capabilities for growth that align with the direction and vision of the company.Project Coordination: Manage special research requests, capital improvement projects, contracts, and other aviation initiatives.Customer Relations: Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business.Financial Oversight: Work with Controller to manage the budget, including forecasting, revenue/expense management, and capital expenditures.Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental and safety standards.Personnel Management: Hire, train, and supervise staff, conducting performance evaluations and fostering professional development and healthy company culture.Marketing and Business Development: Oversee marketing strategy, brand positioning, and demand generation for each retail business line (website, digital, events, social, PR). Identify growth opportunities, conduct competitive analysis, and develop marketing strategies to attract new business. Oversee Marketing team to support all marketing initiatives for the company.Project Management: Develop and implement procedures and strategies to enhance service delivery, contract obligations, opportunities, and utilization of available resources. Lead and manage projects, from inception to completion, ensuring timely and successful delivery.Community Engagement: Represent retail aviation services in local and national aviation organizations, promoting company services, and fostering community support.Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field. Preferred 10 years of experience in general aviation management as well as leading and growing a variety of teams.8-12+ years of progressive leadership in general aviation, including responsibility for at least two of the following: FBO operations, flight training, maintenance/MRO, or aviation marketing/business development.Demonstrated P&L ownership and multi-site or multi-line leadership experience.Deep working knowledge of FAA regulations (Part 61/91/141/43/65/145), TSA security requirements, fuel QC practices, and airport minimum standards.Excellent analytical skills (pricing, forecasting, unit economics) and data-driven decision making.Exceptional people leadership: talent development, change management, and cross-functional collaboration.Strong leadership, communication skills, organizational abilities, and project management with an extensive knowledge of aviation regulations and industry standards.Desired Qualifications:Advanced degree (MBA, MS Aviation).Pilot certificate (Private or higher) and/or CFI/CFII.A&P certificate.Experience with university flight programs, airline pathway partnerships, or workforce develo