General Manager

Modern Aviation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Aviation seeks a General Manager to lead the FBO's operations, finances, and customer service in Des Moines, IA. The GM will oversee line service, accounting, safety, facilities, and vendor relationships while planning the sale and delivery of general aviation services including fuel, hangars, and office rentals.

Key responsibilities include developing the annual operating plan and budget, standardizing service levels and pricing, monitoring performance, managing assets, and driving

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of supervisory or management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation Management, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and execution skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall operations and financial performance of the FBO.
• Oversee customer relations, line service, accounting, health, safety, and facilities.
• Plan and coordinate sale and delivery of general aviation services including fuel, hangars, and office rentals.
• Develop and execute the annual operating plan and budget.
• Standardize service levels, pricing and operating procedures; monitor performance.
• Manage inventory, equipment and vendor relationships; oversee capital expenditures.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / Aviation Management

Job description

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, and financial results of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO). This role oversees customer relations, line service operations, accounting, health, safety, environmental compliance, and facilities, while planning and coordinating the sale and delivery of general aviation services, including fuel, hangar, and office rentals.

Operations & Financial Leadership

• Assist in the development and execution of the annual operating plan and budget for the business
• Implement and maintain standardized service levels, pricing strategies, and operating procedures across fuel (Jet A and Avgas), hangars, office rentals, and facilities
• Monitor operating performance across business units (e.g., line service, hangar operations) and implement corrective actions as needed
• Manage inventory, equipment, tools, and vendor relationships to support efficient operations
• Oversee capital expenditures, facility maintenance, and asset management

Revenue Growth & Customer Strategy

• Manage hangar occupancy and customer mix to drive fuel volume growth and long-term revenue
• Identify and pursue prospective anchor hangar tenants
• Support lease renewals, extensions, amendments, and major customer agreement negotiations
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality customer service and brand standards

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience (general aviation or airport operations strongly preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation Management, or a related field – OR – equivalent years of experience
• Strong leadership, organizational, and execution skills
• Proven business acumen with sound judgment, negotiation, and decision-making capabilities
• Results-driven mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability