Director, Global Flight Operations

Nova Sky Stories; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Sky Stories in Boulder, Colorado, is looking for an Operations Manager to lead global drone operations and flight strategy. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aviation or UAS operations, alongside strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of aviation regulations. You will manage pilots, oversee safety and compliance, and develop operational procedures. This role requires a strategic mindset and offers the chance to work on cutting-edge drone technology in live entertainment settings.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aviation or UAS operations, including leadership.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations is crucial.
• Ability to scale operations effectively across regions.
• Experience in developing operational frameworks and SOPs.
• Hands-on experience with UAS flight operations is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a global team of pilots and regional leads.
• Define and execute a global flight operations strategy.
• Oversee planning and execution of drone light shows.
• Build scalable workflows and operational frameworks.
• Ensure global compliance with aviation authorities.

Skills

Leadership in complex environments

Knowledge of aviation regulations

Operational scaling

SOP development

UAS flight operations

Team building

Safety and compliance balancing

Strategic and organizational skills

Budget management

Regulatory navigation

Technology integration

Job description

At Nova Sky Stories, we empower artists and producers to bring awe and wonder to live audiences around the world. As the global leader in drone entertainment, we’ve been redefining live shows for over a decade—merging cutting‑edge drone technology with imaginative artistry. With a veteran team of engineers and creatives, we design and operate lightweight, small, precise, and safe drones that perform in the most demanding environments—urban centers, extreme temperatures, and high winds. The result is Sky Stories that inspire, captivate, and transform the sky into a canvas of imagination. Headquartered in the U.S. with teams across Europe and the UAE, Nova Sky Stories works with the world’s leading brands, venues, and events.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a global team of pilots and regional leads
• Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, product, production, and commercial teams
• Collaborate with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies to support operations

Strategy & Operational Leadership

• Define and execute a global flight operations strategy to support safe, compliant, and scalable drone light show operations
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasting resources to support growth and efficiency
• Align flight operations capabilities with business goals, including new market expansion and large‑scale productions

Global Operations & Execution

• Oversee end‑to‑end planning and execution of drone light show operations across all regions
• Ensure consistency, performance, and operational excellence across all deployments
• Maintain operational readiness, including equipment, systems, and field execution standards
• Lead post‑show reviews and continuous improvement of operational performance

Scaling, Systems & Standardization

• Build and standardize scalable workflows, processes, and operational frameworks across regions
• Track and improve key performance metrics to drive efficiency and reliability
• Develop and maintain SOPs, flight manuals, and operational documentation

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure global compliance with aviation authorities (FAA, EASA, and others)
• Lead permitting strategies and secure approvals across multiple jurisdictions
• Establish and maintain operational standards, certifications, and insurance requirements
• Represent the company in regulatory discussions and support evolving policy development

Safety & Risk Management

• Own and evolve the Safety Management System (SMS)
• Establish and enforce safety standards, risk assessments, and emergency procedures
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with engineering and product teams to test and implement new technologies and tools
• Identify opportunities to enhance automation, workflows, and operational efficiency
• Support innovation in flight systems, deployment, and show execution

You’ll Need To Have

• Extensive experience in aviation or UAS operations, including leadership in complex environments
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations
• Proven ability to scale operations across multiple regions or markets
• Experience developing SOPs, flight manuals, and operational frameworks
• Hands‑on experience with UAS flight operations
• Strong leadership and team‑building skills across distributed teams
• Ability to balance safety, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Strategic, execution‑focused mindset with strong organizational skills
• Experience managing budgets, operational strategy, and multi‑region programs
• Demonstrated ability to navigate regulatory environments and secure approvals
• Experience integrating new technologies and driving continuous improvement

It’s a Plus If You Have

• Experience in live events, entertainment, or high‑tempo field operations
• Passion for aviation, technology, and live experiences
• Comfortable in fast‑paced, evolving environments with frequent travel

What Will Make You Successful

• Comfortable operating in a fast‑growing, evolving environment
• Willingness to travel frequently and be present at live show operations
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented, and adaptable
• Passion for aviation, technology, and live experiences