Manager of Aviation

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.

Qualifications

The Manager of Aviation requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of experience in executive aviation leadership.

• Experience managing Part 135 operations.
• Strong background in international aviation operations.
• Experience supporting aircraft acquisition or fleet management.
• Deep knowledge of FAA regulations and international aviation standards.
• Strong financial acumen related to aviation cost modeling.
• Exceptional discretion and executive presence.

Preferred

• ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) license.
• CAM (Certified Aviation Manager) certification.
• Experience managing multi-aircraft fleets.
• Experience supporting UHNW individuals or Fortune 100 executives.
• Experience with Gulfstream, Bombardier Global, or Hawker aircraft platforms.

Benefits

Outstanding Benefits 

• 21 paid days off (15 days of PTO, which increases with tenure, plus 6 holidays).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Generous 401(k) with up to 6% employer match. 

At ICBD, we believe leadership, innovation, and purpose go hand in hand. Be part of a team where your work drives lasting impact and your career reaches new heights. 

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