Technical Team - Project Management, Vice President

Role Description

SMBC Aviation Services

The successful candidate will be employed by SMBC Aviation Services, Inc (SMBC AS) which is a 100% owned subsidiary of the SMBC America Holdings, Inc. (AH). SMBC AS provides services to SMBC Aviation Capital Limited (SMBC AC), (an Irish entity,) pursuant to a service level agreement whereby employees provide counterparty and market research,  develop business relationships, liaise with customers, provide technical advice and manage technical projects, and identify and communicate potential deal opportunities for SMBC Aviation Capital in the Americas region which  consist of North, South, and Central America. The Technical Team forms an integral part of both the delivery of our commercial strategy and the holistic management of our customer bases. Reporting to the EVP Technical and located in Miami, the position of VP Technical is a key member of the Technical team. This role represents a unique opportunity for candidates with vision, energy and ambition to also contribute to the rest of the Technical team, while working within a multi-disciplinary organization.

Our Technical team’s role in SMBC AC includes:

• The negotiation of all technical aspects of aircraft leasing transactions with respect to SMBC AC’s fleet of owned, managed and to be delivered aircraft.
• The project management of all technical work undertaken on SMBC AC’s fleet to facilitate our overall business objectives including aircraft transition project management.
• Collaboration with Airline Marketing in the analysis of transaction opportunities within the region, making recommendations to the CCO team and the broader business on appropriate deal structures and risk mitigants

Role Objectives

• Feed into and implement the strategic objectives set by the Head of Technical
• Own and manage technical relationships as assigned by the EVP or Head of Technical
• Project manage aircraft redeliveries including budgeting, contractor management, customer liaison, Airworthiness Authority liaison and MRO control.
• Negotiation of LOI’s/ Leases for new and used aircraft to ensure the best outcome for the company and our customer.
• Engage with industry participants to ensure SMBC AC remains informed of all technical issues related to aircraft within the SMBC AC fleet.
• Interface with other departments within the organisation to enhance the understanding and measurement of the risks associated with aircraft ownership.
• Engage and project manage consultants working on behalf of SMBC AC and ensure the contractor base has the best talent available in the market.

Qualifications and Skills

• A recognized degree in aeronautical or other relevant Engineering discipline or FAA/EASA licensed aircraft mechanics qualification with 5+ years’ experience in aircraft transition project management.
• A strong track record in collaboration and teamwork in a multicultural environment.
• Related past airline and/or MRO experience is essential.
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance programmes, modifications, reconfiguration work and aircraft technical records.
• Knowledge of aircraft lease documentation and maintenance risk exposure.
• An ability to manage multiple projects concurrently to tight timelines within budgetary constraints.
• A strong understanding of aviation and aircraft certification requirements and the associated regulations.
• Familiarity with Aircraft technical publications such as AMM’s, IPC’s, Service Bulletins, AD’s.
• Willingness to travel extensively, occasionally at short notice.
• Flexibility in working hours to accommodate demands of different time zones.
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance programmes, records and related technical documentation.
• High degree of competency in Microsoft Office, in particular Excel (macros, data manipulation).
• An understanding of engine workscope planning documents would be a distinct advantage.