Sr. Director, Aviation

What You'll Do:

• Leadership and Management
  • Lead, motivate, develop, and hold accountable the aviation operations team, including chief pilots, pilots, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel
  • Provide strategic leadership to the aviation team through clear expectations, coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, succession planning, and a positive, collaborative work environment
  • Champion a proactive, safety-first culture where risk identification, open reporting, disciplined decision-making, and continuous learning are embedded in day-to-day operations
  • Promote a just culture that encourages timely reporting of hazards, incidents, and near misses while maintaining clear accountability for professional standards and regulatory compliance
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency
• Operational Oversight
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and management of all aviation missions
  • Maintain flight currency and actively participate as an operating pilot in company aircraft, as required by business and operational needs
  • Lead operational risk management practices covering flight planning, weather, crew duty and fatigue, aircraft maintenance status, passenger security, international operations, and mission-critical executive travel
  • Exercise sound, independent judgment in advising senior executives on aviation risk, operational feasibility, aircraft availability, and safety-related decisions
• Safety and Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to aviation regulations, safety standards, and best practices
  • Lead, maintain, and continuously improve the Aviation Safety Management System, including hazard reporting, risk assessment, incident investigation, corrective action tracking, and safety performance monitoring
  • Develop and maintain safety programs and protocols
  • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies, emergency response plans, and business continuity practices for irregular operations, incidents, security events, and other aviation-related disruptions
• Strategic Planning
  • Develop long-term plans for the aviation department, including fleet management, budgeting, and personnel development
  • Collaborate with other departments to align aviation operations with the overall goals of the company
  • Develop and execute the department's goals and objectives in alignment with the overall organizational strategy, by providing vision and direction to the aviation team
• Financial Management
  • Strong focus on data driven decision making aligned with our business executives
  • Manage the aviation department's budget and expenditures, overseeing operating expenses, capital expenditures, and implementing cost control measures
  • Oversee procurement and maintenance of aircraft and aviation equipment
  • Oversee aircraft airworthiness, maintenance planning, reliability, vendor performance, and lifecycle decisions to ensure safe, efficient, and dependable fleet operations
  • Manage relationships and performance expectations with external aviation partners, including maintenance providers, training providers, FBOs, charter operators, and other third-party service providers
• Stakeholder Communication
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding aviation operations
  • Prepare and present reports to senior management and other stakeholders
  • Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and service quality

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• 15+ years of experience in corporate aviation operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Relevant aviation certifications (e.g., TC/FAA ATP certificate)
• Licensed to fly Gulfstream 550/450 type rating with experience
• Willingness and ability to actively fly company aircraft as part of the role, while balancing leadership, safety, and operational oversight responsibilities
• Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, coaching, performance management, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to build, motivate, develop, and hold accountable a high-performing aviation team
• Strong aviation technical knowledge and operational judgment to support disciplined, safety-first decision-making
• Demonstrated experience leading a mature aviation safety culture, including Safety Management System oversight, incident review, risk management, and corrective action follow-up
• Strong executive presence, discretion, and judgment, with the ability to advise senior leaders on aviation risk and operational trade-offs
• Experience managing complex corporate aviation operations, including international travel, executive support, aircraft maintenance oversight, vendor management, and emergency response planning
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience managing a multi-aircraft fleet in a corporate aviation environment
• Demonstrated ability to make disciplined, safety-first decisions under pressure, including delaying, cancelling, or modifying missions when conditions warrant
• Knowledge of fatigue risk management, crew resource management, aviation security, and operational risk assessment practices
• Minimum 2000 PIC hours on a large turbine aircraft
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and standards
• First class medical and ability to cross international borders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure

What You'll Get:

• Purpose-Driven Work – Make an impact as part of a global team feeding the future and support farmers locally and around the world 
• Excellent Benefits – Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, plus a retirement program with generous employer matching for your future 
• Grow Your Career – Tuition assistance for future education and ongoing learning and training opportunities for career advancement pathways across the organization 
• Support When it Matters – Employee Assistance Programs, inclusive leaves, and paid time for holidays, volunteering, vacation, and wellness 
• Thrive in a Strong Culture – Guided by our core values we put safety first, act with integrity, are stronger together, and deliver with excellence in a collaborative, high-performing environment