Summit Aviation is looking for an authentic, positive, career-minded individual to join our team as President of Summit Aviation. You will join a collection of creative, caring, hard-working individuals passionate about aviation, service, and the development of an aviation ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.
About the Position
The President of Summit Aviation is the senior member of the Summit Aviation leadership team and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of Runway Group (Runway Group is the parent company of Summit Aviation) or to leadership appointed by the Runway CEO. The President is responsible for the following:
The financial and operational results of Summit Aviation
Creating attractive and engaging aviation experiences for visitors, customers, and team members
Bringing the Summit Aviation culture to life by exhibiting the company’s core values daily and in all touchpoints
Managing clean, safe, efficient, and well-maintained aircraft
Implementing disciplined aviation protocols in the FBO, flight school, Oz Flying Club, Summit Charter Service, maintenance, and aircraft management
Maintaining the physical airport and fieldhouse facilities
Interacting with the general public and applicable governmental agencies and public officials
About Summit Aviation
Summit Aviation, established in 2006, operates Thaden Fieldhouse and associated hangars at the Bentonville Municipal Airport. The business is currently comprised of the following six operating divisions (staff and aircraft may be subject to change):
Fieldhouse Operations (Summit FBO) (Staff of 10)
Aircraft Maintenance (Staff of 7)
Flight School (Staff of 16, 13 Aircraft)
Flying Club (Staff of 4, 7-9 Aircraft)
Charter Service (Staff of 5, 3 aircraft)
Aircraft Management (under development)
What you will do
The President of Summit Aviation is accountable for driving business results aligned with operational and financial goals. This operationally minded leader will draw on their experience to initiate and lead operational changes and assist departmental teams in implementing changes that bring positive results. The President of Summit Aviation is ultimately responsible for ensuring consistent, disciplined, and financially sustainable services and experiences are delivered to Summit Aviation customers, guests, and passengers. As a salaried position, it is expected the applicant be available after hours, on weekends, and on holidays as may be necessary from time to time to assist with customer and company needs. Extreme discretion is required in performing duties relating to ownership, customers, and attendees of private events.
Responsibilities
Establish the strategic vision and financial objectives for Summit Aviation and inspire team members (salaried and hourly) to adopt an “ownership mindset” in which each team member is “all in” to accomplish the company’s goals
Identify and implement best practice processes and procedures related to service, operations, facility management, fleet management, and the maintenance center
Identify points of inefficiencies or sub-optimal performance relative to financial and/or operational objectives and develop and implement plans to quickly address and improve
Determine optimal management structure; hire, staff, train, and schedule the company for financial efficiency and superior customer experience
Generate and implement strategies and tactics to drive incremental revenue growth
Communicate and coordinate across departments and with ecosystem support groups, including accounting, payroll, HR, insurance, and marketing
Ensure all team members have the necessary information, tools, and resources to deliver excellent service to the customer
Ensure professional development, succession planning, and performance management of and for all team members
Work to continuously improve the team member experience by exhibiting Summit Aviation’s culture and values
Serve as the public face of Summit Aviation and be the primary point of contact with the community
Cultivate and strengthen relationships with vendors, facility and airport/airstrip owners, customers, crew members, and governmental and regulatory agencies
Meet with Runway leadership and shareholders (ownership) on a regular cadence to provide financial and strategic updates, share and discuss operational and financial results, and identify opportunities for potential collaboration within other areas of the Runway ecosystem
Provide a workplace free from hazards, following all safety policies and protocols as set forth by Summit Aviation and conforming to laws and regulations related to the workplace.
Ensure that all aircraft and facility insurance coverage and policies are properly maintained, renewed, and in compliance with assigned minimums to support the responsible and safe operation of 10,000+ flight hours annually.
Qualifications required for your success
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in aviation, business, or related field.
10+ years of general management experience in the aviation industry, with a preference for candidates with general management experience in high-quality FBO and maintenance teams.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to airport management and operations; FAA rules, regulations, and guidelines
Proficient with forms and procedures used in the administration of a municipal airport, aircraft operation and safety practices to be observed around aircraft, and practices of employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, aircraft owners, pilots, employees, and the public.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary
Bonus potential based on performance
Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
401(k) Saving Plan
Short/Long term disability insurance
20 Days of PTO
Wellness Program
Summit Aviation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in aviation, business, or related field.
10+ years of general management experience in the aviation industry, with a preference for candidates with general management experience in high-quality FBO and maintenance teams.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to airport management and operations; FAA rules, regulations, and guidelines
Proficient with forms and procedures used in the administration of a municipal airport, aircraft operation and safety practices to be observed around aircraft, and practices of employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, aircraft owners, pilots, employees, and the public.
