Director of Operations

Overview

Join Our Team at Wheels Up

At Wheels Up, we're proud to be a global leader in on-demand private aviation. As one of the largest companies in the industry and a strategic partner of Delta Air Lines – we are committed to making private air travel safe, reliable, and enjoyable. With a diverse fleet of owned aircraft plus a global network of trusted charter operators, we offer our customers access to the right aircraft for their needs and the ability to fly on their terms.

And it doesn’t stop at private flights. Wheels Up also provides freight services, safety and security solutions, and managed services to individuals, businesses, government agencies, and more. Regardless of how, when or where you want to fly, our mission is simple; deliver a premium, personalized aviation experience for every customer.

We anticipate closing applications submissions for this role on 11/10/2026. If the deadline is extended, we will update this job posting accordingly.

Job Location: Anchorage, AK or Chamblee, GA

Role Overview: What You’ll Be Doing

Reporting to the Vice President of Flight Operations, the Director of Flight Operations is responsible for managing flight crews, establishing and implementing flight operations policies and procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The Director of Flight Operations will also serve as an active member of the flight crew, maintaining required qualifications and currency while supporting flight operations as needed.

Responsibilities

Your Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Has authority to exercise operational control over all aircraft operations, when such authority is delegated by the Vice President of Flight Operations.
• Acquire/maintain currency in a Certificate ACFT type with monthly flying
• Hybrid role with minimum one week a month assigned to MOC (flexibility provisions allowed with Approval from VP of Flight operations) if employee does not reside in PANC area.
• Ensure efficient/safe daily operations.
• Organize and provide management supervision of the Chief Pilot office.
• Ensure all crew members remain current and qualified for their assigned duty positions.
• Maintain liaison with the FAA and review all FAA Regulations relating to Flight Operations to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain all FAA required records (i.e., operations specifications) for the Flight Operations Department.
• Revise and distribute the Company Operations Manuals assigned to Flt Ops, and Operations Specifications.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures and ensuring compliance.
• Ensure prompt reporting, filing, and follow-up actions on incident/accident reports to the appropriate agency. (FAA, NTSB)
• Provide leadership and direction to flight operations personnel.
• Ensure that high levels of customer service are provided to the company and its customers.
• Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance regarding aircraft equipment, configuration, and status.
• Assist senior management with the strategic development of flight operations.
• Provide direction, coaching, and professional development to employees with an individual and team focus.
• Build individual and team competencies with ongoing positive and constructive feedback, as well as thorough annual performance evaluations.
• Conduct performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Establish individual and team goals and objectives; develop metrics and scorecards to monitor progress and achievement.
• Use appropriate methods to help build a cohesive team; facilitating the completion of team goals.
• Administer counseling, commendation, or disciplinary actions when necessary, using proper documentation.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Flight Operations or higher authority.

Qualifications

What You Bring to the Table: Education & Certification Requirements

We’re looking for someone who has a unique mix of experience, skills, and passion for what we do:

• Meet the applicable requirements of 14 CFR Part 119 to serve as Director of Operations for the Company's operating certificate(s).
• Hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with GIV type rating
• Have at least three years of experience within the past six years as Pilot in Command (PIC) of a large turbine-powered aircraft operated under FAR Part 121 or Part 135.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and management experience overseeing flight crews, flight operations personnel, or aviation operations teams.
• Possess extensive knowledge of FAA regulations, Company Operations Manuals, Operations Specifications, Flight Manuals, and other applicable operational requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop, implement, and maintain flight operations policies and procedures while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety.
• Ability to oversee crew qualification, training, currency, and duty-position requirements.
• Demonstrate strong decision-making, problem-solving, and risk-management skills in a complex operational environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with the FAA, company leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and customer relationship skills, with the ability to maintain effective working relationships across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to meet the role's hybrid work requirements, including a minimum of one week per month assigned to the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC), if residing outside the Anchorage (PANC) area, subject to approved flexibility provisions.
• Ability to maintain currency in a company aircraft type through monthly flying, as scheduling permits.

The Extras We Value (Preferred Requirements)

While not mandatory, here are some additional things that would make you stand out:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience serving in a Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, or comparable senior flight operations leadership role.
• Experience overseeing FAR Part 135 or Part 121 flight operations, including multi-aircraft or multi-fleet environments.
• Experience managing FAA certificate requirements, Operations Specifications, regulatory audits, and FAA liaison activities.
• Experience developing and revising Company Operations Manuals, standard operating procedures, and operational policies.
• Experience managing incident and accident reporting, investigations, and required follow-up with the FAA, NTSB, or other applicable agencies.
• Demonstrated experience developing operational metrics, scorecards, performance objectives, and strategic initiatives.
• Experience leading employee performance management, coaching, professional development, and succession planning.
• Experience collaborating with Maintenance, Training, Safety, and other operational departments to support aircraft availability, crew readiness, and safe operations.
• Demonstrated ability to balance regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, customer service, and business objectives.

Education Requirements

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant aviation leadership experience and professional training may be considered where appropriate.

What We Offer

Salary Range & Benefits

At Wheels Up, we believe in fair compensation based on experience, skills, and qualifications. The compensation for this role ranges from $223,000 – $263,000/Yr. depending on a variety of factors. We don’t typically start individuals at the top of the salary range; your place within the range is based on what you bring to the table. Additionally, you may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program, which rewards individual and organizational performance.

We also offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and personal life, including:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Complimentary access to mental health and wellness counseling through Spring Health
• Financial planning assistance
• A variety of additional programs and services in support of your total well-being

Everyone is welcome here

Each of us is unique, and that’s what makes us amazing. We believe there’s power in bringing people with different backgrounds, points of view and life experiences together. So, bring yourself and your best ideas.

Wheels Up is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees. It is our policy to apply recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and professional development practices and make all other employment decisions without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Because when we feel safe and comfortable being ourselves, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Need Accommodations?

If you have a disability or are a disabled veteran and need assistance with applying, please reach out to us at hr@wheelsup.com. Simply include “Accommodation Request” in the subject line so we can quickly address your needs.

We look forward to learning more about you and how you can contribute to the Wheels Up journey!