Operations Manager - Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona at Thrust Flight LLC

The Operations Manager is responsible for operational execution at the campus level. Depending on the location, this role is also responsible for ensuring operational clarity, accountability, and delegation across the team. The Operations Manager will own decision making and also oversee employee workload distribution, ensuring responsibilities are properly assigned. The manager will intervene to close performance gaps when necessary. The primary function of this role is to drive efficient resource utilization, maintain operational standards, and create stability in daily execution while planning for long-term campus growth.

• Own the execution of the day-to-day flight schedule through direct oversight of location operational staff.
• Ensure aircraft, instructors, simulators, and facilities are utilized efficiently and in alignment with training demand.
• Establish clear role accountability across the operations team; delegate responsibilities appropriately and monitor follow-through.
• Identify operational gaps or inefficiencies and implement corrective action.
• Step into tactical execution when staffing or performance gaps require leadership coverage.
• Oversee workload distribution across the operations team to prevent burnout and ensure consistent performance.
• Provide coaching and performance feedback to location operations staff.
• Maintain operational coverage standards and proactively plan for staffing needs.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of operations personnel in coordination with the Director of Flight Operations and Manager of Operations Training & Development.
• Oversee schedule integrity, including rescheduling, maintenance blocks, instructor availability, and student progression pacing.
• Partner with Maintenance and flight leadership to maximize aircraft uptime and training continuity.
• Monitor long-term resource demand and capacity planning for sustained growth.
• Support the Student Services Liaison in managing Zero Time to Airline students by ensuring operational alignment with student timelines and hour requirements.
• Maintain visibility into training pipeline health and progression benchmarks.
• Maintain facility standards, including cleanliness, inventory management, and operational functionality.
• Identify and implement improvements that enhance the student and staff experience.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison with the FBO and airport management.
• Collaborate with the Director of Flight Operations on long-term planning, operational initiatives, and campus performance metrics.
• Support campus events and initiatives that promote student engagement and industry exposure (airline visits, open houses, professional development events)

• 3+ years of experience in aviation operations, flight training, scheduling, dispatch, or related operational leadership environment
• Prior leadership or team oversight experience preferred
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
• Experience coordinating schedules, resources, or operational logistics
• Ability to make timely decisions and maintain operational continuity under pressure
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational scheduling systems
• Ability to work flexible hours as operational needs require

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Part 141 flight school or aviation training environment
• Familiarity with FAA operational requirements and flight training operations
• Experience managing operational teams in a high-growth environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Business, Management, or related field preferred
• Previous experience supporting student progression, instructor scheduling, or fleet utilization
• Experience working with maintenance coordination and aircraft scheduling