Manager of Aviation

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (On-site)

About the Role

The Manager of Aviation is responsible for the strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory management of the family office aviation program. This leader will oversee flight operations, aircraft maintenance, crew management, safety programs, compliance frameworks, and vendor relationships. 

Role Overview

The following are duties, responsibilities, and leadership roles that the Manager of Aviation shall provide:

Aviation Strategy & Program Leadership

• Develop and execute the aviation strategy aligned with the principal’s travel requirements.
• Advise leadership on aircraft acquisition, leasing, upgrades, or fleet restructuring.
• Conduct mission analysis to determine optimal aircraft type, configuration, and utilization.
• Provide cost-per-flight-hour analysis and lifecycle cost projections.
• Present periodic aviation performance, safety, and risk reports to leadership.

Flight Operations & Program Management

• Oversee domestic and international flight operations across owned, leased, fractional, and charter aircraft.
• Ensure crew duty and rest compliance and operational readiness.
• Coordinate complex trip planning including international permits, fuel planning, and ground handling.
• Maintain relationships with global FBOs, aviation vendors, and service providers.
• Establish VIP protocols for principals, family members, guests, and security teams.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with FAA, ICAO, EASA, TSA, and international aviation regulations.
• Implement and maintain a robust Safety Management System (SMS).
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and regulatory records.
• Oversee operational approvals, international flight permits, and compliance programs.
• Lead safety audits, risk assessments, and emergency response planning.

Aircraft Maintenance & Airworthiness

• Oversee maintenance planning, heavy inspections, and aircraft reliability programs.
• Ensure compliance with airworthiness directives and service bulletins.
• Monitor maintenance tracking systems and warranty programs.
• Coordinate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) response planning and vendor support.

Crew Leadership

• Recruit, vet, and retain highly qualified aviation professionals.
• Oversee training programs, simulator scheduling, and performance standards.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and discretion.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and protocol standards.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual aviation budget.
• Monitor cost-per-flight-hour metrics and operational efficiency.
• Manage capital planning for aircraft maintenance, upgrades, or acquisitions.
• Negotiate and oversee aviation vendor contracts.

Security Coordination

• Partner with executive protection teams to coordinate aviation security protocols.
• Maintain aircraft access control and passenger manifest procedures.
• Coordinate secure ground transportation and travel logistics.