Chief Operations Officer #0209

Our client, a premier aviation enterprise with five decades of industry leadership, is seeking an outstanding Chief Operations Officer to drive strategic implementation and oversee comprehensive operational management. This position provides substantial decision-making authority, executive leadership opportunities, and a defined trajectory toward succession into senior executive roles (President/COO). The successful candidate will be a transformative leader with the capability to foster organizational evolution, enhance operational excellence, and independently manage business operations during periods of executive travel.

Core Responsibilities

Optimize asset allocation to appropriate customers for maximum profitability

Drive operational efficiency improvements and performance optimization

Execute the CEO's strategic vision across all operational functions with significant autonomy

Ensure proper aircraft maintenance and cost-effective returns to customers at lowest cost

Take full ownership of day-to-day operations for aircraft leasing and FBO businesses

Drive annual rate increases (3-5%) through strategic pricing initiatives

Develop, implement, and maintain standardized processes and procedures

Analyze and improve operational metrics impacting P&L performance

Create a culture of process adherence and continuous improvement

Make strategic personnel decisions including hiring and termination when necessary

Lead and manage approximately 20+ team members

Invest in employee development while maintaining high accountability standards

Continue culture change initiatives and drive performance improvements

Conduct realistic, unemotional assessments of staff performance

Drive customer satisfaction and retention through superior service delivery

Analyze customer base to identify expansion opportunities and pricing improvements

Support business growth initiatives and market expansion

Serve as an effective negotiator creating win-win solutions for customers and suppliers

Identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth

Provide fundamental business insights to advise on P&L impact

Support strategic planning and decision-making processes

Monitor key success metrics including maintenance costs, asset utilization, and pricing

Maintain business continuity and performance standards during all conditions

Operate with full autonomy during owner travel periods (including extended 3-month trips)

Handle emergency situations and operational challenges as they arise

Requirements

Background in manufacturing, equipment leasing, asset management, logistics, or related industries

Demonstrated success in leadership roles driving organizational change

Proven operations management experience, preferably with assets/equipment management

Experience managing teams and making difficult personnel decisions

Basic business acumen to assess operational impacts on financial performance

Fundamental understanding of P&L, balance sheets, and payroll management

Asset management capabilities and operational efficiency optimization

Leadership & Personal Attributes

Autonomous self-starter requiring minimal oversight

Process-driven mindset with focus on standardization and adherence

Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills

Dynamic leadership style with ability to be "bad cop" when necessary

Proven ability to work with long-term staff while driving change

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Track record of successful culture transformation initiatives

Experience in similar asset-intensive businesses

Aviation industry experience (can be taught if not present)

Background in customer-facing operations

Benefits

Annual base salary range: ~$150,000 - $200,000

Flexible compensation structure for exceptional candidates

Full-time permanent position with emergency on-call availability

Comprehensive benefits package

Why This Opportunity?

Distinctive Market Leadership

Operate in a specialized niche with virtually no direct competition

Join our client as the dominant force in the aviation training equipment sector

Oversee a fleet of 300+ aircraft, dwarfing the nearest competitor's ~75 aircraft portfolio

Executive Development & Advancement

Owner actively seeking a future successor who could ultimately "inherit the business"

Substantial operational independence combined with executive mentorship and growth support

Well-defined progression to President/COO position for the ideal candidate

Unique chance to influence the trajectory of an established, profitable enterprise

Strategic Leadership Impact

Exercise strategic oversight affecting $85M in valuable aircraft assets

Assume comprehensive operational responsibility from the first day

Guide an experienced team within a stable, financially sound organization

Champion organizational transformation and performance enhancement initiatives

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, .