Director, Trading Operations

Summary:

The Director, Trading Operations is responsible for driving operational execution and reporting across the Company's aircraft and engine trading activities. This role serves as the primary coordinator for transaction tracking, pipeline management, performance reporting, and trading analytics, ensuring opportunities move efficiently from origination through closing. The position partners closely with Trading, Operations, Fund Management, and Corporate Development leadership to provide visibility into pipeline activity, support strategic decision-making, and deliver accurate and timely business reporting. The Director, Trading Operations reports directly to the SVP, Operations and works closely with the SVP, Head of Trading & Investments and the SVP, Corporate Development in support of the Company's objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and track aircraft and engine purchase and sale opportunities throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Monitor trading pipeline activity and performance against annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic targets.
• Coordinate and maintain weekly Leasing & Trading (L&T) reporting, updates, and data management.
• Track and report Trading KPIs and operational metrics for monthly Management Operating Review (MOR) reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance Trading dashboards, reporting tools, and analytics to improve visibility and decision-making.
• Manage stand requirements and inventory tracking related to aircraft and engine purchases, sales, and transfers.
• Prepare and maintain pipeline reporting for Fund Management activities.
• Track asset allocations and utilization across investment and fund portfolios.
• Monitor NCM activity, including asset selection recommendations for sales, transfers, and portfolio optimization.
• Coordinate and track LW inputs and reporting requirements for Trading activities.
• Track Letters of Intent (LOIs) and facilitate progression through internal review, approval, and execution processes.
• Support reporting, analysis, and operational requirements related to Aircraft Leasing & Trading activities.
• Partner with Trading, Operations, Technical, Finance, Legal, and Corporate Development teams to facilitate transaction execution and remove operational bottlenecks.
• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and analyses for senior leadership.
• Lead ad hoc projects and special initiatives supporting Trading, Investments, and Corporate Development objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting accuracy, efficiency, and data management capabilities.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Aviation Management, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aviation leasing, aircraft trading, asset management, operations, finance, or a related business function.
• Demonstrated experience managing transaction pipelines, reporting functions, and business analytics.
• Strong understanding of aircraft and/or engine leasing, trading, and asset management processes preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence and reporting platforms preferred.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, discretion, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Travel/Misc.:

• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required to support business operations, customer meetings, industry conferences, and strategic initiatives.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as needed to support global operations and time-sensitive transactions.

Here at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), we are dedicated to fair hiring practices and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to a workplace environment that encourages growth and respect for all current and prospective employees based upon job-related factors such as their educational background, work experience, and ability to perform the essential functions of a particular job. It is the policy and practice of WLFC to prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable Federal, state or local law. WLFC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application processes.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at joinus@willislease.com.

WLFC also offers a comprehensive benefit package to its eligible employees. This includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Roth 401(k), HSA in conjunction with a high deductible plan, life insurance, supplemental insurance, travel accident insurance, employee assistance program, short & long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, employee education reimbursement plan, matching gift program, health and wellness plan, and paid time off.