Private Aviation Program Director

Mente Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Mente Group is launching a brand-new Flight Department in the Southern Bay Area, CA, operating a Gulfstream G700. The Corporate Aviation Director will lead this on-site operation, report to the client, and shape the program from the ground up.

Responsibilities include fleet strategy, scheduling, maintenance planning, vendor oversight, and financial management to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective executive travel for the client.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, business, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• 7+ years leading flight departments and 5+ years in general aviation.
• FAA Part 91 knowledge and safety practices for audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Act as client’s on-site representative, translating travel needs into an operating plan for the flight department.
• Own aircraft fleet strategy, utilization, readiness, basing, and lifecycle planning.
• Manage fractional aviation hours, forecasting, scheduling, and cost oversight.
• Develop and maintain vendor routines, service reviews, performance discussions, and issue resolution.
• Ensure pilots, maintenance staff, and cabin crew are current on licensing and recurrent training.
• Partner with client security to align ground transport, itineraries, and travel-security protocols.

Skills

Aviation leadership

Flight department management

Budget management

Strategic advisory

Team building

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation or Business

Job description

Mente Group is launching a brand-new Flight Department in the Southern Bay Area, CA, operating a Gulfstream G700. The Corporate Aviation Director will lead this on-site operation, report to the client, and shape the program from the ground up.

Responsibilities include fleet strategy, scheduling, maintenance planning, vendor oversight, and financial management to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective executive travel for the client.