Operations Director FBO

About Us: AAR Corp. (NYSE: AIR) is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people across over 60 sites in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago, Illinois area, AAR supports commercial and government customers in more than 100 countries through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, Repair and Engineering and Expeditionary Services. AAR's purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company's mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

Operations Director FBO & Line Service, II

Description

Job Title: Director, Operations II, FBO

Description: The Director of Operations serves as the senior on‑site operational leader for the Fixed Base Operator, responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of all aviation services. This role oversees the full spectrum of FBO operations, including aircraft ground handling, fueling, ramp management, transportation services, facility readiness, and operational coordination with AAR Aircraft Services.

The position manages complex, high‑visibility aviation activity across corporate aviation, NBA and collegiate sports charters, commercial airline fueling, government aircraft operations, and dedicated cargo carriers such as UPS and FedEx. The Director holds full accountability for fueling operations, regulatory compliance, safety management, and operational risk across all service lines.

This leader directs multi‑disciplinary teams, establishes operational policies, manages staffing for 24/7 operations, and serves as the highest on‑site authority during normal, peak, and irregular operations. The role also supports aircraft maintenance operations, coordinates facility preparation for company events, and oversees shuttle transportation services. The cumulative scope, regulatory exposure, and operational risk firmly align with director‑level responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Serve as the highest on‑site authority for all FBO operations, including daily activity, peak periods, and emergency/irregular operations.
• Direct aircraft ground handling, ramp utilization, towing coordination, and overall airside operational flow.
• Establish and enforce operational policies, SOPs, and safety standards across all service lines.

Fueling Operations Management

• Hold full accountability for all corporate, commercial, cargo, and government aircraft fueling.
• Oversee UPS and FedEx fueling operations to ensure reliability and on time performance.
• Ensure compliance with fuel quality control, environmental regulations, and audit requirements.
• Manage fueling personnel, equipment readiness, and fuel inventory coordination.

Sports Charter Operations

• Lead all NBA team flight operations, including ramp staging, fueling prioritization, and security coordination.
• Manage all collegiate athletic charter operations (football, basketball, tournament travel).
• Execute high‑visibility, time‑critical operations with zero tolerance for error.

Maintenance Operations Support (AAR Aircraft Services)

• Coordinate aircraft positioning, towing, ramp access, and fueling alignment for maintenance activities.
• Serve as the operational liaison between AAR maintenance leadership, airport authorities, and FBO staff.
• Ensure safe integration of maintenance operations with active FBO, cargo, commercial, and sports traffic.

Facility & Event Operations

• Oversee hangar and facility readiness for company events, executive meetings, and community initiatives.
• Coordinate aircraft repositioning, safety zoning, and equipment staging for event support.

Transportation Services Oversight

• Manage shuttle transportation for customers and employees between FBO, maintenance facilities, and terminals.
• Ensure vehicle readiness, driver scheduling, and alignment with flight schedules and service expectations.

Regulatory, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with FAA, TSA, airport authority, environmental, and SMS requirements.
• Lead incident response, investigations, and corrective action planning.
• Oversee operational risk management across all aviation service domains.

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Direct operational leadership teams and frontline staff across fueling, ramp, line service, transportation, and dispatch.
• Determine staffing models for 24/7 operations and fluctuating sports, cargo, and maintenance demands.
• Oversee training standards, performance management, and disciplinary actions.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

To excel in this role, candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications below represent the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, business, or related field or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of leadership experience in FBO operations.

• Strong knowledge of FAA, TSA, airport authority, environmental, and SMS requirements.
• Expertise in fueling operations, fuel quality control, and ramp safety.
• Proven ability to lead large, multi‑disciplinary operational teams.
• Experience managing 24/7 operations and high‑pressure, time‑critical aviation activity.
• Skilled in SOP development, safety enforcement, and incident response.
• Effective communicator with corporate, government, commercial, and sports‑team stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain airport ramp credentials and operate airside vehicles.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and respond to operational emergencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carry out supervisory duties in accordance with company policies and applicable legal regulations. Core responsibilities include:

• Lead operational leadership teams and frontline staff across fueling, ramp, line service, transportation, and dispatch.

• Interview, hire, and onboard new team members to maintain a high‑performing workforce.

• Plan, delegate, and oversee daily assignments to ensure safe, efficient 24/7 operations.
• Evaluate employee performance and provide clear, constructive feedback to support development.
• Administer recognition and disciplinary actions in alignment with company policies.
• Address employee concerns promptly and resolve workplace issues to maintain a positive, productive environment.
• Ensure consistent communication, coordination, and alignment across all operational departments.
• Direct teams during high‑pressure operations, irregular events, and emergency situations.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Ability to work in an active airside environment, including exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, and moving aircraft/vehicles.

• Frequent walking, standing, and moving across large ramp and hangar areas.

• Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of equipment or materials up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs, enter/exit vehicles, and access aircraft or maintenance areas as needed.
• Capacity to respond quickly during operational or emergency situations, including extended periods of standing or mobility.
• Ability to operate ramp vehicles and equipment safely when required.
• Visual and auditory capability to monitor ramp activity, radio communications, and safety‑critical operations.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job: Operations

Primary Location: United States-Oklahoma-Oklahoma City-Oklahoma City - Aircraft Services

Schedule: Full-time

Overtime Status: Exempt

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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