Director, Aviation Operations, Beaver Lake Aviation Operations

About the role

Provides strategic leadership for Walmart Aviation's Fixed Base Operations organization, overseeing the vision, operating strategy, performance, and long-term evolution of ground operations, line service, hangar operations, fueling infrastructure, facilities, customer service operations, and aviation support services. This role is responsible for establishing the future-state operating model for Fixed Base Operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable support of Walmart Aviation's flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Set the Strategic Direction for Fixed Base Operations
• Develop and execute the long-term strategy and vision for Fixed Base Operations.
• Define future-state operating models, service standards, organizational structures, and operational processes that support business growth and evolving aviation needs.
• Evaluate emerging industry trends, technologies, and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Lead Transformation and Operational Excellence
• Lead significant transformation initiatives focused on modernizing and improving aviation ground operations.
• Evaluate existing processes, systems, and workflows to identify opportunities for simplification, standardization, automation, and efficiency.
• Redesign operating models and implement sustainable improvements that enhance productivity, scalability, customer experience, and cost effectiveness.
• Establish performance metrics, governance mechanisms, and accountability measures that drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and operational excellence across the organization.
• Provide Executive Oversight of Aviation Operations
• Provide strategic oversight for all Fixed Base Operations, including line service, hangar operations, customer service, fueling operations, facilities, and aviation support functions.
• Evaluate operational performance and implement strategic actions to address risks, improve service, and optimize resources.
• Ensure staffing, infrastructure, and operational capabilities support both current and future business demands.
• Lead Facility, Infrastructure, and Asset Strategy
• Establish long-range plans for aviation facilities, hangars, fuel systems, fleet assets, and ground support equipment.
• Lead capital planning, infrastructure investments, and facility modernization efforts.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop scalable solutions that support operational readiness and long-term growth.
• Ensure effective lifecycle management of critical assets and operational infrastructure.
• Drive Financial and Business Performance
• Develop and oversee operating and capital budget strategies.
• Evaluate investments, contracts, and vendor relationships to maximize operational value and business outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and optimize costs while maintaining world-class safety and service standards.
• Establish financial performance measures and monitor results against strategic goals.
• Champion Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management
• Establish the strategic direction for safety, compliance, and operational risk management programs.
• Ensure adherence to FAA regulations, environmental requirements, airport regulations, and company policies.
• Oversee enterprise-level risk assessments, incident reviews, and corrective action strategies.
• Promote a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build Organizational Capability
• Lead and develop leaders responsible for fixed base operations functions.
• Drive succession planning, leadership development, and workforce strategies that support future business needs.
• Build a high-performing organization focused on accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, and innovation.
• Lead teams through organizational change while maintaining engagement and delivering business results.
• Influence Across the Enterprise
• Serve as a key strategic partner to Aviation leadership and enterprise stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with airport authorities, regulatory agencies, vendors, and strategic partners.
• Influence cross-functional decisions impacting aviation operations, facilities, safety, customer experience, and long-term business strategy.
• Represent Walmart Aviation in industry forums and external partnerships when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field and 8 years' experience in aviation operations, airport operations, fixed base operations, facilities management, logistics, or related fields.
• Option 2: 10 years' experience in aviation operations, airport operations, fixed base operations, facilities management, logistics, or related fields.
• 5 years' experience leading managers and/or senior leaders.
• Experience leading complex operational improvement, organizational transformation, or change management initiatives.
• Experience managing significant operating and capital budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corporate aviation or Part 91 flight department leadership experience.
• Experience leading large-scale aviation, airport, or FBO operations.
• Experience overseeing major infrastructure, facilities, or capital improvement projects.
• Experience implementing operational excellence, Lean, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading aviation safety and compliance programs.
• Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) or equivalent aviation industry certification.