Director of Strategic Planning and Operations

About the Company

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Chicago, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) is the largest independent provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for business aviation. JSSI delivers comprehensive coverage for engines, airframes, and auxiliary power units (APUs) across more than 300 different aircraft makes and models, helping owners and operators stabilize maintenance budgets, maximize aircraft availability, and protect asset value throughout the lifecycle of ownership.

JSSI has built a portfolio of complementary business lines designed to simplify the economic and technical complexity of business aviation; these include Maintenance teams, Traxxall maintenance tracking software, Parts & Engines, Conklin aircraft cost and performance data, and Aviation Capital asset-based financing solutions. Together, these offerings support owners, operators, and maintenance providers with integrated tools spanning ownership and maintenance planning, execution, and financial management.

With more than 6,500 aircraft supported through programs and software platforms, JSSI leverages its unique independence, unmatched scale, and data-driven insight to deliver customized solutions and support models aligned to the interests of each client — regardless of aircraft platform. JSSI is backed by leading institutional investors GTCR, Genstar Capital, and Blackstone.

About the Role

This position is the backbone of Maintenance Operations, supporting business leaders across the team, including the Airframe and Engine businesses. The role is primarily focused on planning, ensuring JPE and JSSI work proactively on parts planning, cost avoidance, and vendor agreement administration. This advanced planning strategy, paired with disciplined execution, will directly improve customer service and reduce overall maintenance costs.

Responsibilities

• Cost Savings Identification and Management
  • Lead the identification, tracking, and execution of all cost savings opportunities across airframe and engine maintenance events, including alternatives to full shop visits.
  • Collaborate with the Director of FP&A and the Technical Team to quantify, evaluate, and prioritize cost avoidance strategies.
  • Develop and maintain a cost savings pipeline tracker, reporting progress and outcomes to the EVP of Maintenance Operations.
  • Champion a cost-conscious culture within the Maintenance Operations team, ensuring all viable alternatives to traditional shop events are assessed before commitment.
• Operational Decision Support for Engine and Airframe Events
  • Provide analytical and strategic support to Regional Directors and Field Teams in selecting the optimal maintenance solution for each engine and airframe event.
  • Leverage JSSI's contractual terms with approved vendors to ensure the most cost-effective and operationally sound choices are made.
  • Serve as the internal subject matter expert on vendor capabilities, pricing structures, and agreement terms to guide field-level decisions.
  • Develop decision frameworks and playbooks to streamline event routing and vendor selection across the organization.
• Vendor Relationship Management and Agreement Administration
  • Own and administer all vendor agreements within the Maintenance Operations portfolio, ensuring terms are clearly documented, communicated, and adhered to.
  • Proactively monitor vendor performance and compliance with contracted terms, escalating discrepancies and driving resolution.
  • Track and analyze spend with strategic vendors, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for renegotiation.
  • Lead proactive engagement with vendors ahead of agreement renewals and expirations, ensuring JSSI is never caught in an unfavorable position.
  • Collaborate on new and renewal agreements in alignment with the EVP's strategic objectives, supported by data-driven insights.
• JPE (JSSI Parts and Engines) Relationship and Procurement Optimization
  • Act as the primary liaison between Maintenance Operations and JPE, fostering a strong internal partnership to maximize procurement through JPE channels.
  • Track and report all Maintenance Operations spend directed through JPE, setting targets and monitoring performance against them.
  • Provide regular reporting and insights to the EVP on JPE spend, utilization trends, and opportunities for increased internal sourcing.
• Rental Asset Planning & Scheduling
  • Oversee alongside the JPE Rental Team all planning and scheduling for JSSI Events—including engines and APUs.
  • Deliver and update mid- and long-term forecasts for Rental Engine requirements.
• Maintenance Forecast & Data Enhancement
  • Partner closely with the Maintenance FP&A Director to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all maintenance cost forecasts, including engine and airframe events, across the enrolled fleet.
  • Develop and maintain reporting tools and dashboards that give the EVP of Maintenance Operations real-time visibility into cost performance, forecast accuracy, and key operational metrics.
• Growth Planning & Workforce Strategy Support
  • Support the Customer Support Regional Directors with all aspects of growth planning across their regions—from headcount and asset distribution to potential hires.
  • Maintain an up-to-date scorecard and supporting metrics to track growth progress against plan.
  • Collaborate with managers across Maintenance Operations to validate assumptions and refine growth needs.
  • Provide the EVP of Maintenance Operations with an updated, consolidated view of business and growth needs on a regular basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Aviation Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in operations management, strategic planning, procurement, or a related discipline, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
• Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build and interpret financial and operational data models.
• Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM) or equivalent demonstrated project management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills required.
• Excellent communication and executive presence; proven ability to present to and influence C-Suite and senior leadership stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the aviation industry, with specific knowledge of business aviation maintenance operations, MRO environments, or aircraft technical services.
• Familiarity with engine and airframe maintenance programs, shop visit planning, and maintenance event economics.
• Prior experience in a parts procurement or supply chain role within an aviation context.
• Experience working alongside or within a Finance/FP&A function, with demonstrated ability to contribute to forecast accuracy and cost management reporting.

Pay

The annual base pay for this role generally ranges from $165,000 to $185,000, with the final offer determined by factors including market location, job-specific knowledge, skills, education, and experience. The total rewards package may also include an annual discretionary bonus plan, incentive or sales bonus plan, or other forms of additional compensation.

Benefits

For full-time employees based in the USA, Canada, or the Philippines, JSSI offers a robust suite of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings programs
• Additional benefits starting day one of employment