Director of Station Operations

About the Role / Candidate Tradewind Aviation is seeking a full‑time Director of Station Operations – Eastern U.S. & Bahamas to oversee all ground operations across the Northeast Region and Southeast Region, including the Bahamas. Reporting to the SVP of Operations, this role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and customer‑focused operations across all assigned bases and outstations. The ideal candidate will provide strong leadership to all personnel, manage existing stations, and drive growth and operational excellence within the regions. Safety is the top priority in this role. The Director will lead, by example, ensuring strict adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. They will cultivate a culture of safety, operational discipline, risk management, and accountability across all regional airports and outstations. Customer service is a core focus. The Director will ensure that all employees deliver welcoming, professional, and premium guest experience. They will empower teams to provide seamless, efficient, and personalized service, strengthening Tradewind’s reputation for quality at every customer touchpoint. Strong leadership and communication are foundational to this role. The Director will provide clear direction, continuous feedback, training, and support to regional teams. They will foster a positive and professional work environment that promotes teamwork, urgency, growth, and accountability. Flexibility is essential, as this position requires availability on weekends, holidays, and during operational disruptions. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Safety & Compliance Ensure all operations comply with FAA, TSA, ICAO, and airport-specific regulations, as well as company policies and procedures. Oversee monthly safety, service, and compliance audits across all Northeast, Southeast, and Bahamas locations. Maintain accurate and current station records, documentation, and operational permits as required by regulatory authorities. Proactively identify, report, and mitigate safety risks, ensuring full compliance with OMNI reporting requirements and timely follow‑up. Oversee vendor negotiations, contracts, performance, and service levels throughout the regions; conduct regular onsite audits to ensure adherence to agreements. Serve as the primary liaison with regional airport administrations, safety and security authorities, fixed base operators, and regulatory agencies across assigned locations. Customer Service & Operations Oversee all customer service functions to ensure seamless, efficient, and premium passenger experience; step in operationally when needed. Maintain a high level of professionalism and clear communication with passengers, crew, and internal departments. Ensure daily station operations run efficiently, prioritizing on‑time performance and service excellence. Track and continuously improve key operational metrics including safety, service quality, and efficiency. Ensure all facilities, workspaces, equipment, and aircraft servicing areas meet operational needs and remain clean, safe, and well‑maintained. Leadership & Team Management Supervise and mentor all regional personnel, fostering high morale, productivity, and accountability. Ensure regional staffing meets operational needs and that required annual training is completed on time. Conduct regular team meetings, briefings, and training sessions to keep personnel informed of updates, policies, and best practices. Handle HR-related functions including performance evaluations, conflict resolution, scheduling oversight, and personnel record management. Oversee regional accounting functions including billing reconciliation, vendor billing review, and annual operational budgets. Drive strategic regional development, including expansion opportunities and new station planning within the Northeast, Southeast, and Bahamas. Promote a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Other Responsibilities Skills & Competencies Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and general computer‑based operational tools. Demonstrate strong leadership, staff development, conflict management, negotiation skills, and the ability to make strategic decisions. Self‑motivated team leader with excellent communication skills. Able to work effectively under pressure and time constraints to support timely flight dispatch and operational reliability. Possesses strong knowledge of airport operations, ground handling, safety, and security compliance under FAA, TSA, and ICAO guidelines. Must consistently project a polished, professional image. Work & Physical Requirements Able to lift up to 60 lbs. Available to work weekends, holidays, and provide after‑hours accessibility to personnel and leadership. 50% travel required across the Northeast Region, Southeast Region, Bahamas and limited time in the Caribbean. Prolonged periods of desk work using a computer. Exposure to outdoor elements including heat, cold, rain, wind, and sun during ramp and operational duties. Benefits Competitive salary Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/DCA and 401(k) plan. Paid vacation and sick days Paid Parental Leave Fun, dynamic team with opportunities for rapid advancement Travel benefits on various US and International airlines #J-18808-Ljbffr