Executive Managing Director - Aviation Platform

Our client is a well-capitalized company in a regulated industry, currently in the early stages of building a new commercial aviation operating venture. The role provides an opportunity to contribute to the foundational development of the business.

This role requires a rare combination of deep aviation regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and the entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in a fast-moving, high-stakes startup environment.

Regulatory & Certification Leadership

• Lead FAA certification and regulatory approval processes, ensuring full compliance with federal aviation standards.
• Serve as the primary executive liaison with FAA regulators and other government agencies, ensuring alignment and responsiveness throughout all regulatory milestones
• Establish and maintain robust safety, compliance, and operational frameworks that meet or exceed regulatory requirements
• Build relationships with key regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to support operational readiness

Organizational Build & Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, and lead the foundational executive team across operations, safety, compliance, maintenance, and finance functions
• Define organizational structure, roles, accountabilities, and reporting relationships to support regulatory approval and operational scale
• Set performance culture, decision-making cadence, and accountability standards from day one
• Foster a high-trust, high-performance culture aligned with both safety excellence and brand aspirations

Operational Strategy & Execution

• Define and execute the operational roadmap from planning through launch and early-stage growth
• Develop scalable standard operating procedures (SOPs), governance structures, and systems to support future expansion
• Balance service delivery with disciplined cost management and uncompromising safety standards
• Oversee strategy, operational partnerships, vendor relationships, and readiness milestones

Brand, Customer Experience & Market Positioning

• Partner with key stakeholders to shape service standards, service philosophy, and customer experience standards
• Ensure operational delivery consistently reflects the positioning and brand promise
• Integrate service excellence into operational processes, training programs, and frontline accountability
• Position the business competitively within the travel market

Board & Investor Relations

• Serve as the senior executive interface with the Board of Directors, providing strategic updates and seeking guidance on key decisions
• 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
• Maintain transparency and accountability in all board and investor communications

Requirements:
• Deep commercial aviation regulatory experience, including significant involvement in FAA certification processes.
• Proven executive leadership as CEO, President, COO, VP Operations, or General Manager in aviation or similarly regulated, safety-critical industries
• Proven experience overseeing organizational development and launch activities, including team formation, systems development, and regulatory processes
• Strong command of FAA regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and compliance frameworks applicable to commercial aviation operations
• Exceptional judgment and credibility in navigating complex regulatory environments and building trust with government agencies
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, high-ambiguity settings with changing priorities
• High credibility across diverse stakeholder groups, including technical teams, operational staff, board members, and investors
• Strategic and operational versatility: able to think big-picture while driving detailed execution
• Willingness to travel extensively and relocate as operational needs require

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct leadership experience in FAA certification processes for aviation operations.
• Background in aviation or service industries with a focus on customer experience and brand differentiation
• Experience in private aviation, charter operations, or emerging aviation business models
• Experience integrating brand vision with operational execution, ensuring service delivery aligns with market positioning
• Investor-facing leadership experience, including fundraising, stakeholder management, and articulating vision to financial backers
• Track record in scaling organizations from startup to mature operational phases
• Prior experience as CEO, President, or COO with ultimate P&L and operational accountability
• Experience across multi-site or multi-certificate operating environments is highly valued

Benefits:
• Base Salary: $350,000 – $425,000 annually + Performance-Based Compensation

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (employee and family coverage)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy

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.

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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.

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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.