Ground Operations Manager

About the role

The Aviation Ground Operations Manager (GOM) role is based out of Tampa, Florida and requires working no less than three days per week. This role is part of the Special Air Missions (SAM) Group and reports to the Head of Maintenance, Maintenance (US) Capability Area.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe execution of aircraft ground operations and maintenance activities in accordance with approved procedures, technical data, and company Ground SOPs
• Lead the continuous improvement of ground and maintenance safety programmes and site-specific safety plans across all locations
• Perform periodic inspections, audits, and monitoring programmes to ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, and company requirements
• Identify safety hazards associated with maintenance activities, aircraft ground operations, and deployed environments, and collaborate with Maintenance Leads and Managers to develop and implement effective corrective actions
• Develop and maintain safety policy, procedures, and risk assessments for all activities related to aircraft ground operations at home base and on global deployments
• Translate corporate safety standards into practical Capability Area (CA) goals, objectives, and KPIs
• Identify trends and proactively drive initiatives to eliminate incidents, including near-miss and hazard reporting programmes
• Ensure effective occurrence and safety reporting, supporting a culture of transparency and continuous improvement
• Oversee new-hire safety orientations, ensuring assignment of safety training and tracking of completion
• Plan and facilitate OSHA-compliant safety training aligned with project phases, risks, and deployment environments
• Lead incident and accident investigations, including root cause analysis and report generation, maintaining all required regulatory safety records
• Cover and develop Site Safety Representatives (SSRs) through ongoing feedback and structured development plans
• Support deployed teams operating in austere or high-risk environments, ensuring safe execution of tasks
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of an FAA and ICAO Annex 19-compliant Safety Management System (SMS) for ground and flight operations
• Support internal and external oversight activities, including FAA, DCMA, and customer audits, ensuring readiness and effective response

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have a current Security Clearance (Secret or above)
• Minimum 5+ years of aviation experience, including lead or supervisory roles
• Demonstrated experience in: Aviation safety within maintenance or ground operations environments, Hazard identification, risk management, and incident investigation, Working in Part 91, Part 135, or Part 145 environments
• Strong working knowledge of: FAA regulations, Safety Management Systems (SMS), Aviation operational risk management, OSHA 30-hour Certification (required)
• Proven leadership with the ability to influence without authority across distributed and deployed teams
• Clear and effective written/verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software platforms

Qualifications

• Previous military aviation or government contract experience
• Experience operating under or supporting DCMA 8210-1D requirements
• Experience supporting deployed, expeditionary, or austere aviation operations
• OSHA 500 Outreach Trainer Certification
• FAA Safety Training or equivalent aviation safety education
• Experience coordinating emergency preparedness, fire prevention, and response resources

Skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan options
• HSA/FSA accounts
• Dental and vision coverage
• 6% employer 401(k) match
• Fully paid parental leave for all new parents
• Generous PTO
• Life and disability insurance
• Long-term and Short-term disability coverage
• AD&D Coverage
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.