General Manager

General Manager / Senior Aviation Operations Leader

An established and growing private aviation company is seeking an exceptional, operationally-focused leader to serve as General Manager. This is a rare opportunity to step into a comprehensive leadership role overseeing a diverse and fascinating operation that blends commercial rigor with passionate aviation history, all while enjoying an unmatched quality of life.

We are looking for a decisive, hands-on leader with a strong operational and Aviation Maintenance background to guide our mission-driven team.

The Operation & Setting

Our facility is based in a tight-knit mountain town, surrounded by world-class skiing, fly fishing, and pristine, wide-open airspace. The company's diverse operations include :

Full-Service Fixed Base Operation (FBO) : Providing premier services to business and general aviation clients.

Part 135 Charter Operation : Operating a small, safe, and efficient commercial air travel service.

Aviation Maintenance & Vintage Aircraft : Direct oversight of a full-service maintenance department with deep experience in Part 91 and Part 145 standards, including the unique care and collection of historic Vintage Aircraft.

Flight Training : Maintaining a dedicated flight training program.

The Role : General Manager

The General Manager is the chief executive responsible for the safety, financial health, and strategic direction of the entire operation. This role is ideal for a Senior Maintenance Manager or Operations Director ready to take the next step into overall P&L and comprehensive team leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

Executive Leadership : Provide strategic direction and daily oversight for all FBO, Part 135, Flight School, and Maintenance activities.

Maintenance & Airworthiness : Directly manage or provide expert oversight to the Maintenance Manager, ensuring the airworthiness, compliance, and efficiency of the maintenance department. This requires deep experience with Part 91 and Part 145 repair station operations and maintenance management.

Financial & Business Management : Full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditure planning, and driving revenue growth.

Compliance & Safety : Uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance with all FAA, Part 145 or 91, and environmental regulations across all operational departments.

Team & Culture : Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a cohesive, mission-driven team, fostering a culture of safety and superior customer service.

Stakeholder Relations : Build and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth customers, tenants, the airport authority, and the local community.

Qualifications & Attributes

10+ years of progressive leadership / management experience within the aviation industry (FBO, full-service maintenance operation (Part 91 or 145), or a combination).

A strong background or certification (e.g., A&P) in Aviation Maintenance is highly preferred, with a proven ability to lead a technical team.

Expert knowledge of FAA Part 91 and / or Part 145 regulations is required.

Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing a complex budget and P&L.

Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams.

A resourceful, hands-on leader who enjoys operational variety and the challenge of managing diverse assets.

Must be open to relocating to a highly desirable, recreation-focused mountain community.

If you are a talented aviation professional who enjoys variety, takes pride in leading an exceptional team, and is looking for a strong career move combined with an unmatched quality of life, we encourage you to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.