Juneau, Alaska-based Wings Airways is a leading provider of summer seasonal floatplane flightseeing tours over the Juneau Icefield. The company operates a fleet of six DeHavilland Otters from the historic Juneau waterfront. Wings are the exclusive operator for the Taku Glacier Lodge.

Wings Airways is seeking a talented leader to oversee company operations while helping to lead the company into the future. As a key member of the leadership team, the Vice President Operations & Safety will ensure that Wings Airways has the right operations team combined with effective operational controls and safety procedures to allow for company success and growth. The VP of Operations & Safety will partner with the President, other company leaders and the Board of Directors to help drive safety and operational efficiencies with a respectful, constructive, and energetic style. Aviation experience is required. 

The role encompasses oversight of all aviation operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

·       Motivate, lead and develop a high-performance operations team.

·       Provide day-to-day leadership for safety programs, flight operations, operational control, weather assessment, dock operations and facilities.

·       Foster a safety-oriented, accountable environment throughout the entire organization.

·       Ensures that operations are meeting or exceeding data-driven performance expectations; make adjustments as needed to improve performance with a focus on operational efficiencies and continuous improvement.

·       Oversee pilot recruitment and retention.

·       Engage the FAA to ensure compliance and positive relations.

·       Represent Wings in aviation industry networks including the Alaska Air Carriers Association.

·       Develop and oversee internal safety management programs including potential SMS and internal evaluation activities along with enhanced hazard and incident reporting/tracking.

·       Provide fuel program oversight including training, QC and vendor relations.

·       Support company relations with insurance brokers and underwriters.

·       Lead emergency response planning.

Education and/or Experience:

·       Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

·       Management experience, preferably in aviation, including team leadership.

·       Experience working in a highly regulated operational environment (FAA, DOT etc.) preferred.

·       Demonstrable experience as a change agent, with systems, operations or process implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

·       Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with other leaders; demonstrating integrity, credibility, and commitment to company mission and brand.

·       Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

·       Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Flight Experience / Qualifications:

·       Commercial Pilots License

·       Part 135 Check Airman experience (preferred)

·       3000 hours Part 135 PIC time (preferred)

·       1000 hours Alaska time (preferred)

·       500 hours float time (preferred)

·       Caravan or turbine Otter experience (preferred)

Computer-based skills:

• Proficiency with computers and computer-based systems, including the Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint.

Compensation commensurate with experience includes salary, bonus, health insurance and 401(k).