General Manager in Rifle, Colorado at Vantage RIL LLC

Annual Base Salary: $160,000–$180,000, based on experience, plus bonus eligibility

About Vantage Aviation:

Vantage is a fully integrated, multi-vertical business aviation firm that specializes in all things’ private aviation. Hangar leasing, fuel and ground handling support, aircraft management and charter services, flight training schools, and turbine maintenance services are all within our scope of capability and expertise. Vantage Aviation is a private equity-backed, fully integrated business aviation firm pursuing FBO, MRO, and 135 charter acquisitions and development opportunities throughout North America.

We seek opportunities where airport sponsors and their aviation stakeholders can benefit from our highly integrated, full-service offering. Our menus of services meet the highest Minimum Standards of Service within the industry, allowing us to provide a better service for all those who enjoy the benefits of general and business aviation.

Position Summary:

The General Manager (GM) is expected to be an exceptional relationship builder, dedicated to providing front-line leadership for a world-class customer service and safety-oriented operations team. This includes overseeing safe ramp operations in cold climate environments, with a strong understanding of winter weather challenges and their impact on aircraft handling, ground support operations, safety protocols, and customer service delivery. The GM will foster positive relationships with customers, pilots, passengers, senior staff, airport sponsors, and regulatory agencies while leading teams effectively through demanding seasonal conditions. The successful candidate must maintain the highest standards of safety, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction at all times.

The General Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the FBO and will drive strong business results through operational excellence, team development, and business growth initiatives. This position has full profit and loss responsibility for the location and plays a critical role in the ongoing development of the operation.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties:

• Full profit and loss responsibility for the FBO
• Provide strong leadership and support to all operational teams
• Lead and oversee all winter operations activities, including snow and ice mitigation, deicing coordination, winter ramp safety procedures, and severe weather response planning to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Improve profitability by championing operational excellence, continuous improvement initiatives, and key performance indicators
• Drive business growth and development opportunities
• Live, promote, and hold others accountable for Vantage Aviation’s standards of service and safety
• Ensure department supervisors and staff have the necessary resources, including staffing levels, training, and technology
• Foster a teamwork-oriented, high-performance culture that is customer-focused and safety-minded
• Review and negotiate contracts, including hangar leases, airport sponsor ground leases, fuel supply, equipment, and vendor contracts
• Coordinate with senior leadership on FBO budget preparation, variance reporting, and performance aligned with company goals
• Assist in the development and implementation of operational processes and procedures
• Oversee the management of Customer Service, Line Service, and other operational employees
• Collaborate with divisional leaders in aircraft management, charter, and maintenance
• Periodically conduct market competitiveness surveys to ensure competitive pricing and services
• Participate in regular meetings with senior-level leadership
• Train, coach, evaluate, and develop employees in accordance with established procedures
• Train, mentor, and develop operational teams on cold climate best practices, emergency response procedures, and customer service expectations to maintain operational continuity and exceptional service during challenging seasonal conditions
• Will represent the FBO at Board of County Commissioner meetings as needed or when requested, while proactively developing and maintaining strong relationships with the Airport Director, county administrators, and other key city and county stakeholders
• Ensure adherence to company training programs and safety management systems (SMS, ERP, SOPs, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with company policies, airport agreements, and service standards (e.g., ATA 103, DLA, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with all company, airport, and regulatory safety standards related to cold-weather operations, while proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks associated with winter conditions
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of required FBO certifications as directed by senior leadership
• Communicate with customers and employees in person, via phone, and through radio communications
• Periodically attend and represent the FBO at relevant trade association meetings and events, which may include, but are not limited to, state aviation and airport associations, NBAA, NATA, and other industry organizations as appropriate
• Ensure good housekeeping practices and uniform standards are maintained
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of FBO management experience, including direct leadership responsibility in cold climate or winter weather operating environments
• 5+ years of overall managerial experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of winter aviation operations, including aircraft deicing procedures, snow and ice mitigation, ramp safety standards, and operational continuity planning during severe weather events
• Demonstrated ability to interact with senior-level executives
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• High integrity with excellent critical thinking skills
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated record of achievement
• Strong customer service orientation
• Proven ability to lead safety-focused aviation operations

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel is expected for industry trade shows, sales opportunities, and new location start-ups as required.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Operates in a professional aviation environment with potential exposure to moving and non-moving aircraft
• May be exposed to hazardous noise levels, chemicals, fumes, and other aviation-related hazards
• Requires the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Depending on operational needs, may spend a significant portion of time working outside
• Must be able to lift, carry, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Must be able to move throughout the facility to interact with customers and employees

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Range: $160,000 to $180,000, depending on experience, plus bonus eligibility

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid Short Term Disability and Basic Life and AD&D
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program

Confidentiality & Disclosure:

Vantage Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state or local laws. This job description outlines the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions without imposing undue hardship on the organization. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this position, please contact HR@vantageair.com. We are here to support you.

Vantage Aviation is committed to a safe and productive work environment and operates as a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Employees must report to work free from any substance that could impair job performance. Drug and alcohol testing may be required in accordance with law and company policy, including for reasonable suspicion or following a workplace accident or injury. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.