Aviation Part 135 General Manager presso Kalitta Charters LLC

Description

Kalitta Charters is seeking a consistently hard-working, hands-on General Manager (GM) who is committed to reliable quality service, building strong customer relationships, and leading high-performing teams. This role is the driving force behind service excellence and financial growth in Ypsilanti, MI. The General Manager's two most important responsibilities are but are not limited to:

• Maintaining uncompromising quality assurance in all operations.
• Upselling and expanding Kalitta Charters' services to existing customers.

The General Manager will be accountable for operational excellence and revenue growth at Willow Run Airport. Success in this role comes from ensuring Kalitta Charters' high-quality standards are consistently met and actively developing client relationships that drive up selling opportunities. GM also oversees staffing, training, safety compliance, and day-to-day operations, but quality assurance and upselling are the top priorities.

 Key Responsibilities are but are not limited to

1. Quality Assurance (Top Priority)

• Ensure all services meet or exceed Kalitta Charters' quality standards.
• Conduct regular quality audits and inspections to guarantee flawless execution.
• Provide weekly performance reports to clients and ownership.
• Hold managers and supervisors accountable for delivering consistent, excellent results.
• Quickly address customer concerns, complaints, or service gaps.

2. Revenue Growth & Upselling (Second Priority)

• Serve as the primary driver of financial growth.
• Consistently identify and close upsell and cross-sell opportunities with existing clients.
• Educate customers on additional Kalitta Charters services that improve efficiency, safety, and presentation of their aircraft and facilities.
• Proactively generate new business leads and proposals within the airport community.
• Tracks upsell activity and report monthly revenue impact.

3. Safety and Compliance

• Conduct unannounced site visits to ensure adherence to Kalitta Charters and client safety policies.
• Lead safety meetings, proactive training, and participate in investigations.
• Collaborate with the Safety/Training Department to maintain compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance – Ensure compliance with all airline and government agency regulations and protocols. Monitor compliance with all FAA, TSA, and DOT regulations.
• Establish sound working relationships with FAA, TSA, Customs, Immigrations, airport authorities, and business partners. 
• Where applicable, ensure all international requirements are met and complied with, working with Customs and Border Patrol and governments where necessary to procure rights and slots.

4. Operational Leadership

• Oversee all repair and maintenance activities, ensuring the station operates efficiently and meets all FAA and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all certifications are maintained and comply with all local, state, and federal aviation regulations.
• Implement and monitor repair processes, workflows, and schedules to maximize productivity and minimize turnaround times.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and turnover management.
• Ensure site managers and supervisors are trained in operations and administration.
• Approve raises with ownership approval; monitor disciplinary issues with Human Resources.

5. Training and Development

• Coordinate training plans with the Training Manager and Safety Manager.
• Identify and close skill gaps across the team.
• Foster strong communication between staff, management, and clients.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of technicians, inspectors, and administrative personnel.
• Recruit, hire, and train team members to ensure the highest standards of service and compliance.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across the repair station.

6. Administrative & Financial Management

• Make informed P&L decisions on staffing, expansion, and purchasing.
• Audit vehicles and equipment; manage supply chain needs.
• Dedicate time monthly to complete audits, employee check-ins and customer check-ins.
• Ensure all operational checklists and reports are 100% accurate and on time. 
• Visible and Active Leadership – Be a willing, motivational leader who seeks out opportunities to get in front of employees and business partner employees/leadership to establish excellent two-way communication. Be a role model for others to follow.
• Availability  – Be available 24/7. This includes phone calls, texts, and email responses in real time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation related field 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role within Part 135 Operator.
• 5 years managerial experience with focus on safety, operations, and client relations.
• In-depth knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 135 Operations, pilot regulations, and aircraft maintenance processes.
• Proven success in quality assurance, audits, or customer service management.
• Experience in upselling or business development within an operations-heavy role.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel consistently and manage multiple functions effectively.
• Proficiency in understanding financial reports and P&L.

 Work Environment & Culture Skills

• Candidate should be motivated, resourceful, energetic, organized, and able to manage and be managed
• Candidate must be reliable, punctual and flexible
• Candidate must be able to multi-task, respect and maintain confidentiality
• Candidate must be ethical, trustworthy with sensitive information
• Candidate must be service oriented and able to work at a fast pace and handle stress and problematic issues well with a good attitude
• Candidate must be able to communicate effectively and work within a team-focused environment
• Candidate must be respectful of diverse populations and cultures
• Candidate must have an outgoing personality with expertise at developing relationships

Location

• Operation based in Ypsilanti, MI at Willow Run Airport (YIP)
• There is no ability to work from home

Other Requirements

• Must be available full-time 
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• A Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License Required

Benefits

• Employer Provided Benefits:
  • Short Term
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Basic Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Travel Assistance Program
  • Fidelity 401K with match
• Additional Elective Benefits:
  • BCBS – Medical 500 PPO and 1000 PPO options, Dental PPO, Prescription starting after 60 days
  • EyeMed - Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account – Medical and Dependent Care
  • Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Child
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Child
  • Hospital Indemnity for Employee, Spouse, and Child
  • Met Law Coverage
  • Nationwide Voluntary Pet Insurance