Build relationships with key regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to support operational readiness
Lead FAA certification and regulatory approval processes, ensuring full compliance with federal aviation standards
Establish and maintain robust safety, compliance, and operational frameworks that meet or exceed regulatory requirements
Serve as the primary executive liaison with FAA regulators and other government agencies, ensuring alignment and responsiveness throughout all regulatory milestones
Set performance culture, decision-making cadence, and accountability standards from day one
Define organizational structure, roles, accountabilities, and reporting relationships to support regulatory approval and operational scale
Foster a high-trust, high-performance culture aligned with both safety excellence and brand aspirations
Recruit, hire, and lead the foundational executive team across operations, safety, compliance, maintenance, and finance functions
Develop scalable standard operating procedures (SOPs), governance structures, and systems to support future expansion
Oversee strategy, operational partnerships, vendor relationships, and readiness milestones
Define and execute the operational roadmap from planning through launch and early-stage growth
Balance service delivery with disciplined cost management and uncompromising safety standards
Ensure operational delivery consistently reflects the positioning and brand promise
Partner with key stakeholders to shape service standards, service philosophy, and customer experience standards
Position the business competitively within the travel market
Integrate service excellence into operational processes, training programs, and frontline accountability
Maintain transparency and accountability in all board and investor communications
Present operational progress, regulatory milestones, and financial performance to investors and stakeholders
Participate in fundraising efforts and represent the company's vision and capability to current and prospective investors
Serve as the senior executive interface with the Board of Directors, providing strategic updates and seeking guidance on key decisions
Requirements
Proven experience overseeing organizational development and launch activities, including team formation, systems development, and regulatory processes
Exceptional judgment and credibility in navigating complex regulatory environments and building trust with government agencies
Deep commercial aviation regulatory experience, including significant involvement in FAA certification processes
Strategic and operational versatility: able to think big-picture while driving detailed execution
High credibility across diverse stakeholder groups, including technical teams, operational staff, board members, and investors
Ability to operate effectively in complex, high-ambiguity settings with changing priorities
Willingness to travel extensively and relocate as operational needs require
Strong command of FAA regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and compliance frameworks applicable to commercial aviation operations
Proven executive leadership as CEO, President, COO, VP Operations, or General Manager in aviation or similarly regulated, safety-critical industries
Preferred Qualifications
Experience integrating brand vision with operational execution, ensuring service delivery aligns with market positioning
Background in aviation or service industries with a focus on customer experience and brand differentiation
Prior experience as CEO, President, or COO with ultimate P&L and operational accountability
Direct leadership experience in FAA certification processes for aviation operations
Experience in private aviation, charter operations, or emerging aviation business models
Investor-facing leadership experience, including fundraising, stakeholder management, and articulating vision to financial backers
Experience across multi-site or multi-certificate operating environments is highly valued
Track record in scaling organizations from startup to mature operational phases
Benefits
Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy
401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (employee and family coverage)
Managing Director – Aviation & Transportation at Keller Executive Search | JobVerse