Director, Maintenance Operations and Strategic Planning

Jet Support Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic maintenance leader to drive operational success in aviation. This role focuses on optimizing maintenance event planning through data-driven forecasting, ensuring accurate procurement, and enhancing turnaround times. You will collaborate across departments, develop key performance indicators, and leverage analytics to inform decision-making. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and excellence in the aviation sector, where your expertise will directly impact client satisfaction and operational efficiency. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about aviation, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Programs

Annual Discretionary Bonus

Qualifications

• 10+ years in aviation maintenance operations or MRO planning.
• Strong proficiency in data analytics and financial modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance event planning with data-driven forecasts.
• Monitor spend versus budget and reconcile maintenance forecasts.
• Deliver actionable insights using data analytics.

Skills

Data Analytics

Forecasting Tools

Financial Analysis

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management

MBA or relevant graduate degree

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

ERP/MRO Platforms

Excel

Job description

About JSSI

For more than 35 years, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) has been the leading independent provider of maintenance support, advisory services, software, and financial tools to the business aviation industry. With 6,000+ aircraft supported by maintenance programs and software platforms, JSSI leverages this wealth of data, scale, and innovation to drive cost savings and provide custom solutions that align to the interests of each client, regardless of make or model. Learn more atjetsupport.com.

JSSI products and services include:

Maintenance Programs.Hourly Cost Maintenance Programs to stabilize maintenance budgets, maximize aircraft availability and enhance residual value.

Parts & Leasing.Experienced product line specialized team who leverages ourAll-OEMinventory and global vendor relationships and go beyond parts sourcing to find optimal customer solutions.

Software:Traxxall and Conklin & de Decker. Powerful data platforms to help you make more informed decisions, from choosing the right aircraft to tracking your maintenance, inventory, and MRO projects.

Advisory Services.Objective insights and independent technical advice from a global team of technical advisors and ASA-accredited appraisers for virtually any business jet, turboprop or helicopter.

Aviation Capital.Customized asset-based finance solutions for business aviation.

Position Summary:

This position reports directly to the EVP of Strategic Maintenance and Supplier Management and plays a critical role in the operational and strategic success of JSSI’s maintenance activities.

The primary focus of this role is to ensure all maintenance events are accurately mapped in JSSI's forecast, allowing for precise planning with shops, efficient procurement, and reduced turnaround times (TAT) for events. The complexity and evolving nature of the business demand innovative strategies, robust analytics, and continuous adaptation to new challenges.

This role requires the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor business performance, identify improvement opportunities, and develop data-driven strategies. Business analytics will be a cornerstone in driving insights and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintenance Event Planning & Forecasting
• Own and lead the maintenance event planning process by creating accurate, data-driven forecasts for scheduled and unscheduled events. Ensure coordination across departments to align timing, cost, turnaround times (TAT), and rental needs, optimizing shop capacity, vendor commitments, and operational readiness.
• Financial Oversight & Integration
• Closely monitor actual spend versus budget and reconcile maintenance forecasts with JSSI’s broader financial forecasts. Partner with FP&A, Underwriting, and Accounting to validate forecast accuracy and ensure consistency in historical reporting and actuarial margin calculations.
• Cost Optimization & Strategic Analysis
• Identify and pursue cost savings through detailed event analysis, market benchmarking, and ROI modeling. Evaluate complex financial scenarios such as aircraft acquisitions, buyouts, and lease/exchange options to optimize outcomes for both clients and internal stakeholders.
• Rental Asset Planning & Availability Management
• Collaborate with Jet Parts Leasing (JPL) to manage rental asset availability and planning. Develop forward-looking strategies for inventory readiness based on event forecasts and market demand, minimizing delays and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Strategic Analytics & Executive Support
• Deliver actionable insights to the Maintenance and Executive teams using data analytics. Support negotiations and vendor management by providing data on spend, market trends, MRO performance, labor rates, and component reliability.
• KPI Development & Operational Monitoring
• Define, implement, and continuously refine KPIs that track maintenance performance, forecast accuracy, procurement efficiency, and TAT. Report findings to leadership to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Process Innovation & Cross-functional Collaboration
• Partner with the Operational Excellence and Customer Experience teams to refine and scale best-in-class forecasting and planning processes. Implement systems and feedback loops that adapt to business changes and improve overall efficiency.
• Trust Material Planning & Pre-Purchase Strategy
• Ensure material requirement forecasts are shared with the trust team in a timely and accurate manner. Collaborate with JPL Product Line Managers and the JSSI Tech Team to develop proactive material purchasing strategies that balance cost control with service continuity.

Desired Credentials:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field required; MBA or relevant graduate degree preferred.
• Experience:
• 10+ years of experience in aviation maintenance operations, MRO planning, or strategic program management.
• Proven track record in forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis within a technical services or aviation environment.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a matrixed organization, with demonstrated leadership in strategy and operations.
• Technical Skills:
• Strong proficiency in data analytics, forecasting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and ERP/MRO platforms.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling capability.
• Familiarity with aviation trust structures, rental logistics, and material procurement processes.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present to executive leadership.
• Other:
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives and drive organizational change.
• Deep understanding of aviation maintenance cycles, industry cost structures, and turnaround optimization strategies.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities

At JSSI, we are committed to rewarding our team members with competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect their contributions and talent.

For this role, the annual base pay generally ranges from $150,000 to $160,000, with the final offer determined by variable factors including but not limited to market location, job-specific knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition, your total rewards package may include an annual discretionary bonus plan, incentive or sales bonus plan, or other form of additional compensation, based on your role.

Additionally, for full-time employees based in the USA, Canada, or the Philippines, we are proud to offer a robust suite of benefits. This ranges from insurance offerings such as medical, dental, vision, retirement savings programs, among others, starting day one of employment. For a full overview of our offerings, visit theJSSI Benefits Page on our company website

JSSI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

JSSI does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or Recruiting Team.