Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Join Southern Airways, the biggest little airline in the industry, and be part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your excellent customer service skills will shine! As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility, we provide route services throughout the contiguous United States and the Hawaiian Islands.

Our company mantra, "Every Passenger, Every Day, Every Flight," is at the heart of everything we do. By joining our team, youll have the opportunity to make a real difference in peoples lives while contributing to our mission of providing exceptional service and prioritizing passenger safety.

Southern Airways is experiencing tremendous growth, offering endless opportunities for learning and career advancement. Whether youre new to the airline industry or looking to enhance your skills, youll receive comprehensive training and support to excel in your role.

Put your talents to work and join the Southern Airways team today! Be part of the biggest little airline where every passenger, every day, and every flight matters – and so do you!

Job Title: VP of Technical Operations & Director of Maintenance

Department: Corporate

Location: Dallas Headquarters

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Operations

Vice President VP) of Technical Operations & Director of Maintenance:

The Vice President of Technical Operations & Director of Maintenance fulfills a critical dual role, includeing all technical and maintenance aspects of Southern Airways, ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

VP of Technical Operations:

1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize technical operations. Collaborate with other executives to align technical goals with the overall objectives of the organization. Full responsibility for all technical operations, including the leadership of aircraft maintenance and engineering and decisions affecting the safety and security of daily technical operations.

2. Technical Excellence: Oversee aircraft maintenance, engineering, and technical teams to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability. Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall technical operations.

3. Fleet Management: Work closely with Procurement & Planning and Flight Operations to optimize the Southern’s fleet and to develop and implement strategies for fleet planning, acquisition, and retirement, ensuring alignment with operational requirements.

4. Outsourcing: In conjunction with the Procurement Department, negotiate and implement General Terms and Agreement (GTA) contracts for outsourced essential maintenance providers.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to aviation regulations, airworthiness directives, and safety standards. Implement and monitor compliance programs to guarantee the airworthiness of the entire fleet. Ensure that all maintenance actions meet FAR and GMM process standards.

6. Budgeting and Procurement. Establish the maintenance department budget and monitor its performance monthly. Ensure that robust procurement practices are established that represent value for money for all maintenance-related purchases.

7. Technology Integration: Stay abreast of technological advancements in aviation and implement relevant solutions to enhance technical operations. Leverage digital tools and automation for efficient maintenance processes. More detailed responsibilities, and an outline of the authority of this role, is contained within the Southern Airways GMM.

Director of Maintenance, directly or through department staff:

1. Maintenance Planning: Develop and implement maintenance plans to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft fleet. Coordinate with operational teams to minimize aircraft downtime and disruptions.

2. Team Management: Lead and inspire maintenance teams, including mechanics and technicians, to perform maintenance activities with precision and efficiency. Provide training and development opportunities to enhance the skills of maintenance personnel. Ensure that sufficient maintenance personnel are employed to meet the company’s maintenance needs.

3. Quality Assurance: Implement and oversee quality control measures to ensure all maintenance activities meet or exceed industry standards. Conduct audits and inspections to maintain a high level of quality assurance.

4. Budget Management: Manage the maintenance budget effectively. Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or maintenance quality.

5. Emergency Response: Develop and implement emergency response protocols for maintenance related issues. Ensure quick and effective resolution of technical challenges to minimize disruptions to flight operations.

6. More detailed responsibilities, and an outline of the authority of this role, is contained within the Southern Airways GMM.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience in technical operations and maintenance within the aviation industry.
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, airworthiness standards, and maintenance best practices.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive technical excellence and operational efficiency.
• Bachelors degree in aviation maintenance, engineering, or a related field or ten years previous experience as a Director of Maintenance.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to pass a 10-year background check and pre-employment drug screen as required by airline regulations and company policies
• Computer Skills.
• Ability to work within a 24/7 operation, including holidays.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. per the Immigration Act of 1968.

Southern Airways participates in E-Verify.

Benefits:

Competitive Salary: Attractive compensation package based on experience.

Health & Wellness: After 30 days of employment on the 1st of the next month, you are eligible to sign up for medical, dental, and vision insurance, air ambulance coverage, short-term disability, pet insurance, health savings accounts, and company-paid life insurance.

Retirement Plans: Employees can enroll in our company’s 401(k) plan.

Generous PTO: After completion of your probationary period, employees earn 1 day of PTO per month, plus paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

Employee Discounts: After completion of your probationary period, you can access the My ID Travel program, which allows members of your immediate family to participate as well. This program provides travel privileges, including:

• Flight tickets at significant discount, employee and family members can fly our planes (standby space available)
• Discounts on hotels and resorts
• Car rentals at reduced rates
• Discounted cruises

Southern Airways Corporation is an EEO/AAP employer and as such all qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin - and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, or disability.