Head of Special Aviation Missions Group - US

Position Summary

The Head of SAM – US (H/SAM US) will lead both on and in the Group:

• On the Group: Design and build best-in-class special mission Capability Areas (CAs), including processes, systems, and people.
• In the Group: Deliver exceptional aerospace services to some of Metrea’s highest-value programs.

Role And Responsibilities

Developing the Group Structure (“On the Group”):

• Lead the design and development of the SAM Group, implementing scalable, efficient processes.
• Build industry-specific frameworks, financial models, and digital systems (in partnership with Operations) to enable workflow automation and meet government contracting requirements.
• Provide decision support at tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
• Identify growth opportunities in knowledge, skills, and culture; drive professional development and talent acquisition to build a high-performing team.
• Foster a unified “One Team” culture rooted in humility, aligned with Metrea’s Individual Firmware attributes: Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over Do'er.

Providing Group Direction, Guidance & Support (“In the Group”):

• Lead development of the Group’s growth strategy through the annual Enterprise Value Case (EVC) cycle, delivering Strategic Milestones (SMs) and OKRs across SAM Capability Areas (CAs) in alignment with Metrea’s Strategy Map.
• Contribute to Metrea’s Campaign Plan (CAMPLAN), Capability Plan (CAPEPLAN), and Marketing Plans (MPLAN) relevant to SAM.
• Oversee performance reviews of SAM US CAs, ensuring progress against OKRs and KPIs; lead interventions when necessary.
• Support reporting (monthly, quarterly, board) with strategic analysis, risk planning, and mitigation strategies.
• Actively assess and shape Group risk exposure and opportunity management, influencing internal programs and potential acquisitions.
• Provide market and customer-focused expertise to de-risk current programs and validate new opportunities.

Skills And Experience

• Senior leadership experience in aerospace & defence, with proven ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity through sound judgment.
• Extensive special mission aircrew background, ideally with ISR expertise.
• Deep knowledge of aviation regulatory environments (FAA), including hands-on Part 135 operations and prior accountable executive responsibility in the commercial sector.
• Working knowledge of FAA Airworthiness and Maintenance procedures.
• Proven experience engaging with senior stakeholders (customers, suppliers, partners) to represent the company at the highest levels.
• Track record of leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering measurable results.
• Familiarity with U.S. government budget cycles and procurement processes.
• Flexibility to travel frequently, domestically and internationally, often on short notice.
• Strong critical thinking, judgment, and attention to detail; intellectually curious and quick to adapt.
• Skilled at identifying key issues, troubleshooting, and problem-solving to advance long-term strategic goals.
• Hightly organized, reliable, discreet, and disciplined, with strong execution skills.
• Effective in matrixed, collaborative environments, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and intellectually humble, with the ability to challenge and refine one’s own thinking.