Vice President Operations (Chicago)

Vice President of Operations – Chicago, IL

Location: Chicago, IL (Relocation Required)

Compensation: $240K base + $205K bonus + benefits + relocation support

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead and oversee all operational functions of a leading business aviation services organisation . This is a high-impact, executive-level role responsible for driving operational excellence, efficiency, and growth across core repairs, manufacturing, quality, and warehouse operations.

The VP of Operations will manage a team of senior leaders, streamline processes, ensure compliance with aviation standards, and align operational strategy with business goals. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong business acumen, technical knowledge, and proven experience in aviation operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Leadership

• Provide executive leadership for all operational functions, including core repairs, manufacturing, quality, and warehouse management.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to drive efficiency, cost control, and process improvements.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to monitor operational performance and ensure accountability across all departments.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align operational initiatives with corporate strategy.

Team & People Management

• Lead and mentor senior operational leaders:
• Quality Manager
• Director of Manufacturing
• Warehouse Manager
• Build a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement .
• Ensure teams are trained, motivated, and aligned with organisational goals.

Core Repairs & Manufacturing Oversight

• Oversee core repair administration processes ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Drive manufacturing efficiency , capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Implement process improvements and operational best practices to optimise throughput and quality.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to quality management systems , regulatory standards, and internal policies.
• Monitor quality performance metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage audits and inspections, proactively addressing compliance gaps.

Warehouse & Logistics Management

• Oversee warehouse operations, including inventory management, shipping/receiving, and logistics.
• Ensure optimal inventory accuracy, storage efficiency, and supply chain reliability.
• Implement operational systems to improve warehouse performance and visibility.

Financial & Business Performance

• Develop and manage budgets for operational functions.
• Monitor operational costs, identify efficiencies, and improve financial performance.
• Support strategic business decisions with operational insights and analytics.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven executive leadership experience in aviation or technical operations, preferably in core repairs, manufacturing, and warehouse management .
• Demonstrated experience managing senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Deep knowledge of operational systems, processes, and aviation industry standards .
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills .
• Ability to manage complex operations in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment .

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of leadership experience in aviation operations or related technical industries .
• Proven track record in core repairs administration and operational excellence .
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Aviation Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience driving process improvements and operational KPIs .

Why Join Us?

• Lead a dynamic and growing aviation services company .
• Competitive compensation and bonus package.
• Comprehensive benefits and relocation support for Chicago-based role.
• Opportunity to shape operations at an executive level with visibility across the organisation.

Travel

• Limited travel may be required for vendor visits, industry events, or corporate meetings.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.