MRO General Manager

Airside MRO; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (Employer pays 100%)

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Profit sharing and bonus opportunities

Voluntary ancillary plans

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Airside MRO, a Part 145 repair station in Gilbert, AZ, seeks an accomplished General Manager to lead operations, finance, safety, and regulatory compliance, driving EBITDA growth and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced aerospace MRO environment.

The role oversees maintenance, quality, engineering, supply chain, planning, and administrative functions, requiring extensive Part 145 leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to develop high-performing teams while ensuring FAA/EASA compliance.

Qualifications

• Extensive Part 145 leadership experience in aviation maintenance organizations.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility and budgeting experience.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic operational initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with long-term objectives.
• Establish operating plans, budgets, and KPIs.
• Lead safety, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as senior operational leader and executive liaison.

Skills

Aviation leadership

P&L management

Regulatory compliance

Strategic planning

Lean Six Sigma

Stakeholder management

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation/Aerospace/Business

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Maintenance tracking software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Airside MRO is a Part 145 component repair station specializing in the maintenance and repair of high-quality aircraft components. Our commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and regulatory compliance allows us to serve domestic and international aviation markets. We are growing and seeking dedicated professionals who can support our mission of operational excellence.

General Manager – MRO is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and financial performance of the Company's FAA Part 145 Repair Station. This executive leader oversees all aspects of maintenance, quality, operations, engineering, supply chain, planning, customer service, safety, and administrative functions to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business growth.

The General Manager establishes the operational vision for the repair station while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service. This role is responsible for achieving financial objectives, optimizing operational efficiency, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring compliance with all FAA, EASA, and applicable regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate is a proven aviation maintenance executive with extensive Part 145 leadership experience, strong business acumen, and a demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced MRO environment.

Your role will take you to new heights, as you will be tasked with these essential job responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the Company's long-term business objectives.
• Establish annual operating plans, budgets, financial targets, and key performance indicators.
• Lead a culture centered on safety, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the senior operational leader for the repair station and primary point of contact for executive leadership.

Operations Management

• Direct all maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering, planning, production control, materials, logistics, facilities, and support operations.
• Ensure efficient execution of aircraft maintenance, modifications, structural repairs, component repairs, and overhaul activities.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize labor utilization, facility capacity, workflow, turnaround times, and asset productivity.
• Develop strategies to improve operational performance while reducing costs and increasing profitability.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure customer commitments are consistently achieved.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality

• Ensure continuous compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations, Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and all applicable CFRs.
• Partner closely with the Director of Quality to maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance and product quality.
• Support FAA surveillance activities, customer audits, and third-party regulatory inspections.
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly and effectively.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through Safety Management System (SMS) initiatives and risk management practices.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets.
• Monitor revenue, labor efficiency, profitability, overhead expenses, and operational costs.
• Analyze financial and operational metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive initiatives that improve EBITDA, operational efficiency, and customer value.
• Evaluate capital investments, equipment purchases, and facility improvements.

Customer & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, leasing companies, OEMs, government agencies, MRO customers, and aviation partners.
• Partner with Sales and Business Development teams to support growth initiatives and customer retention.
• Ensure customer expectations regarding quality, delivery, communication, and service are consistently exceeded.
• Participate in strategic planning for future growth, new capabilities, and market expansion.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing leadership teams.
• Provide leadership to Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and department leaders throughout the organization.
• Partner with Human Resources to develop workforce planning, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Promote leadership development, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Foster an environment that encourages teamwork, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Champion Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, streamline processes, and increase customer satisfaction.
• Implement technology and automation solutions to improve operational efficiency.
• Monitor operational KPIs and develop action plans to improve overall business performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership.

To succeed in this role, you will need to have:

• Extensive knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station regulations, FAA policies, and aviation maintenance requirements.
• Ability and knowledge to serve as Accountable Manager for FAA and other shop certifications.
• Strong understanding of FAA, EASA, and international aviation regulatory compliance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aircraft maintenance operations, heavy maintenance, component repair, structures, avionics, and engineering support.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L responsibility, forecasting, and operational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic operational initiatives.
• Proven experience leading large, cross-functional aviation organizations.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong customer relationships and manage executive-level communications.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, supply chain management, and logistics.
• Working knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS), quality management systems, and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, maintenance tracking software, Microsoft Office Suite, and operational reporting tools.
• Ability to make sound business decisions in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
• Strong commitment to safety, ethics, integrity, and operational excellence.

We significantly value our employees and believe in compensating each with a substantial benefits and compensation package including:

• Generous Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Short-Term Disability coverage (Employer pays 100% of employee premiums)
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Contribution
• Profit Sharing and Bonus opportunities
• Voluntary ancillary plans including Life Insurance, Accident and Hospital coverage
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Education, Experience, and Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, Operations
• Management, or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation maintenance, MRO, or aerospace operations.
• Minimum of 5 years of executive or senior leadership experience managing an FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
• Demonstrated experience with P&L management, budgeting, strategic planning, and operational leadership.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA Part 145 regulations, FARs, quality systems, and regulatory compliance is required.
• Experience managing multiple departments including Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, Supply Chain, Production Control, and Customer Support.
• Experience leading FAA audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Working knowledge of aircraft electrical systems, avionics, structures, and component maintenance is preferred.
• Experience with international operations, import/export regulations, and global logistics is considered an asset.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, PMP, or other operational excellence certifications are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated history of improving operational performance, profitability, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction within an aviation MRO environment.

Export Control:

• This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

• This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) random drug and alcohol testing.

KP Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or other legally protected characteristic. Employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business need.