Fleet Manager

For over 65 years, Columbia Helicopters has been a trusted provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. We create new aircraft, fly heavy-lift helicopters around the world, and provide maintenance support to ensure you are mission-ready for critical operations. If you are passionate about aviation, join our Columbia Family!

About the Role

The Fleet Manager is responsible for the overall lifecycle management, operational readiness, configuration control, utilization strategy, and long-term competitiveness of Columbia Helicopters’ aircraft fleet. This position leads the coordination of fleet planning, aircraft availability, operational assignment, maintenance integration, and prevention of AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations to ensure CHI maintains safe, compliant, mission-ready aircraft to support customer and operational commitments worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Lead fleet lifecycle planning, including aircraft utilization, readiness, sustainment, modernization, and retirement/replacement strategies.
• Monitor fleet performance, reliability, maintenance status, and utilization to maximize aircraft availability and operational effectiveness.
• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, MRO, Supply Chain, and Air Operations to coordinate maintenance schedules, aircraft assignments, modifications, and return-to-service activities.
• Develop fleet readiness and sustainment plans that support domestic and international operations.
• Evaluate fleet capabilities and recommend upgrades, modifications, acquisitions, or replacements to meet evolving business and customer requirements.
• Support operational forecasting, aircraft allocation, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Analyze fleet data and provide recommendations to optimize asset deployment, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.
• Assist with fleet-related budgeting, cost control, and financial planning initiatives.
• Develop performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve visibility into fleet health, utilization, and operational readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, efficiency, and process standardization.
• Provide fleet status updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support special projects, emergency response activities, and other operational initiatives as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business, Engineering, Maintenance Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive aviation operational, maintenance, fleet management, or aircraft lifecycle management experience.
• Must have a working familiarity with helicopter structures, mechanical systems, or electrical systems.
• Rotorcraft experience on 107/234CH47D preferred; military experience qualifies.
• Possesses documented training in program management processes, and knowledge and experience working within quality management systems.
• Airframe and Power Plant license preferred.
• Prior experience managing operational aircraft fleets in a Part 135, military, OEM, MRO, or heavy-lift aviation environment preferred.
• Experience supporting AOG response coordination and operational support centers required.
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional aviation teams required.
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance operations, fleet planning, operational readiness, and aviation logistics.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities with the ability to influence across departments.
• Experience with ERP/MRO systems, maintenance tracking systems, and operational reporting tools preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans with company contributions.
• Paid time off and employee wellness resources.
• Training and development opportunities, internal mobility, and leadership support.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven culture.